Casper Ruud told Eurosport that he believed Rafael Nadal will be back for at least one last Roland Garros campaign and try to win one final Grand Slam title. He spoke about the ‘never give up’ attitude of the 36-year-old Spaniard and said Nadal would be back for his one last dance. A last dance that’s a fitting finale for his illustrious career.
Casper Ruud was talking at his podcast for Eurosport called Ruud Talk. He said he believed that the time is near when Rafael Nadal will hang his racket and call it a night with tennis. Ruud said, “I mean, it’s inevitable that the end is near. But I believe that we will see Rafa at least one more time in Roland-Garros feeling ready and fit to top the goal to win the tournament. He never gives up.”
Casper Ruud and Rafael Nadal have a close association. The two have played only two ATP matches together. Although in 2022, both traveled across South America and played six exhibition matches spread across two weeks. Ruud said that this close association has helped him understand Rafael Nadal better. “I know him well enough to know that he never gives up – and as he said himself, I think he wants and I think he hopes for a better finish to his career.“
The World No. 4 idolizes Rafael Nadal and also admitted he would miss him at the French Open. “It’s always exciting when Rafa plays, steps on the court, and it’s been like this with him and Roger [Federer] and Novak [Djokovic] for the last 20 years,” Ruud said. “So, any time they’re absent, it’s different, and it’s always extra exciting and excitement for the tournament whenever they play.”
Rafael Nadal did not give a clear date of his return to Casper Ruud
Casper Ruud also spoke about how he had a call with Rafael Nadal a few days back and wished him speedy recovery from his injury. “I just told him that I hope that he will be ready soon and all these things,” said Casper in his podcast. Nadal told him that he is working hard to make his return but he would be definitely off the tennis grid for the next few months. Ruud mentioned, “He’s (Rafael Nadal is) trying his best, and he hopes to see me again soon.”
When asked about what no clear date of return could mean for the Spaniard, Ruud said, “I guess it meant that he was trying but didn’t really know when he was coming back. So I guess I won’t see him for a couple of months now either.”
Casper Ruud will begin his French Open run tomorrow on 28th May. He will be playing Swedish Elias Ymer, who qualified the main draw by defeating German Yannick Hanfmann. Yannick Hanfmann has been in great form himself, so this might be a tricky first round for Casper Ruud. Nevertheless, fans are hoping to see Casper Ruud carry on at least till the second week.
