‘I want to be nice to him’ Casper Ruud gives a cheeky reply on his practice match results against Rafael Nadal ahead of the French Open finals


‘I want to be nice to him’ Casper Ruud gives a cheeky reply on his practice match results against Rafael Nadal ahead of the French Open finals

Casper Ruud, Rafael Nadal

Casper Ruud became the first Norwegian man to enter the final of the Grand Slam in Paris. It was a stellar journey for Ruud, as he beat the former US Open Champion, Marin Cilic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 to enter the final at the French Open 2022. With Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas in his section of the draw, nobody thought Ruud would make it this far. But, Tsitsipas was stunned by the talented 18-year-old Dane, Holger Rune, while Medvedev was wiped off by Marin Cilic.

Ruud had already established himself as one of the best players on clay and he has made it to the final of Roland Garros. He will face the thirteen-time French Open winner, Rafael Nadal who is on the hunt for his 22nd Grand Slam title. Though Rafa and Ruud have never faced each other on the ATP tour, they have played a lot of practice matches together at the Rafael Nadal Academy. Ruud also credits Rafa with some improvement tips on his game.

About their expected meeting, Ruud in the on-court interview said: “It is amazing… He is the last player of the Big 3 and the very top players in the world I have never played against. So I guess this is perfect timing and worth the wait. To finally play him in a Grand Slam final will be a special moment for me. Hopefully a little bit for him as well.”

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Casper Ruud reveals his practice match score against Rafa.

Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud
Rafael Nadal, Casper Ruud

Ruud has played Rafa a lot in the practice matches and when asked about the score in their practice matches, Rudd gave a cheeky reply. He said:

“He pretty much always beats me. There’ve been some close sets, 7-6, 7-5, but it always goes in his favor. But it’s because we are playing in his academy and I want to be nice to him. You need to be a nice guest.”

Ruud hopes that this would also be a special moment for Rafa because it’s a very special feeling for Ruud to play Rafael Nadal for the first time in the French Open final. He said: “He has played so many finals, but at least he is playing a student from his academy this time. So it is going to be a fun one hopefully.”

Ruud will be chasing his first Grand Slam title while Rafa will aim for a record-breaking fourteenth title in Paris.

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Also Read: “He never gives up and never complains” Casper Ruud calls Rafael Nadal the ‘perfect example’ ahead of the French Open finals

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