Rafael Nadal hilariously reacts to Casper Ruud’s urge to change the result of the 2012 Australian Open
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Casper Ruud and Rafael Nadal(Image: FirstSportz)
World No 2 Rafael Nadal is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time and has inspired millions over the world with his grit, hard work, and dedication. He has won 22 Grand Slam singles titles in his career which lasted over two decades. He has played in 53 finals, a record 76 semi-finals, and a record 99 quarter-finals. One such epic final was at the Australian Open in 2012. He gave a funny response to Casper Ruud’s desire to change the result of that particular match in his favor.
The 2012 Australian Open epic final was one of the longest finals in the history of tennis which lasted 5 hours and 53 minutes against Novak Djokovic but the Mallorcan ended up on the losing side in the epic final. The match went to the wire with a 5-setter game with both players playing a totally different level of the game. Rafael Nadal was fighting for his second title in Australia whereas Djokovic was fighting to defend his title at Melbourne Park.
Ruud had wished to change the result of the final which he thinks is one of the saddest days in the history of tennis for all of Nadal’s fans like him. He claimed that the result had left him sad for days and still can’t get over that day’s memories. To this, the 22-time Grand Slam winner gave a funny reaction to the Norwegian’s desires. He hilariously advised him to call the Serbian legend while stating that he can guarantee the Serb’s reaction.
The Mallorcan was quick to give a witty reply and said that “Maybe we can call Novak. I’m not sure if he’ll accept. Maybe he can send the trophy or something.”
Rafael Nadal considers his rivalry with Roger Federer more special than the Serb
The 2022 Australian Open champion has had a fabulous start to the year clinching two Grand Slam titles and remaining undefeated until his loss at the US Open. Also, an untimely abdominal injury at Wimbledon put brakes on his incredible momentum after which he failed miserably. He lost four of his last five matches with his hope for a title win in the Year-end Championship remains unfilled for this year.
His rivalry with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic needs no introduction. But he considers the one with the retired Swiss player more special than with the Serb. Rafael Nadal admitted that he has countless memories with Federer since the Swiss player was already dominating the sport when he started playing as a Pro.
The rivals later turned into great friends with mutual admiration and respect for each other. Federer played his last match with Rafael Nadal at the Laver Cup where they played in the doubles match for Team Europe on the first day. Their camaraderie was clear since the Spaniard has flown down to London specially to be part of the 20-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell leaving his pregnant wife back home in Spain. He had cried inconsolably on the farewell night as he was quite sad to see his good friend leave the sport.
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Prateek Pradhan
(601 Articles Published)