Casper Ruud has opened up about some words of advice he recently received from Rafael Nadal.
Ruud, who joined the Rafa Nadal Academy back in 2018, has often spoken about how much he looked up to the Spaniard while growing up.
The Norwegian even had the chance to share the court with him, playing doubles together at the 2024 Nordea Open.
Even though Nadal stepped away from professional tennis nearly two years ago, Ruud mentioned that they still keep in touch and chat now and then.
Ruud was speaking before this year’s Madrid Open, where he holds the title, and was asked about his relationship with Nadal.
Ruud shared some advice he received from Nadal, but made it clear that he doesn’t see himself anywhere near the 14-time French Open champion’s level.
“Rafa has encouraged me to keep going and give my best,” said Ruud, as reported by mutuamadridopen.com. “There’s nothing more you can ask of a player.
“Rafa has won so many important titles on clay, I could never compare myself to him. He’s in a different league than everyone else on this surface. If there’s one thing you can learn from him, it’s determination.
“He never gave up, and he was able to win many matches without reaching his best level because he was so well prepared, both physically and mentally.”
Ruud has always admired Nadal and even attended the former world number one’s academy. Despite attending Nadal’s academy, Ruud also faced his idol two times in his career.
This includes a Grand Slam final, with Nadal beating Ruud in the French Open final in 2022, which was the first major final of his career.
Ruud never actually won a set against Nadal, having also lost in straight sets at the ATP Finals in that same year.
The world number 15 will not have to deal with Nadal at the Madrid Open this year, as Ruud looks to defend the 1000 points he earned at the tournament in 2025.
Ruud is the 12th seed at this year’s Madrid Open and will play either Jaume Munar or Alexander Shevchenko in his opening match in the Spanish capital.
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