Casper Ruud reveals Rafael Nadal’s advice ahead of Madrid title defense | ATP Tour

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Ruud reveals Nadal’s advice ahead of Madrid title defense

Norwegian will play Munar or Shevchenko of their opening match

April 22, 2026

The Caja Magica will all the time be a particular venue for Casper Ruud.

Exactly one 12 months in the past, the Norwegian lifted crucial trophy of his profession on the Mutua Madrid Openproving his potential to compete for the most important prizes on the ATP Tour. Now, one of essentially the most revered proponents of clay-court tennis is again within the Spanish capital and able to do one thing he has by no means performed earlier than: play the position of defending champion at an ATP Masters 1000 occasion.

“It’s motivating for me to return to the tournament and try to play good tennis,” Ruud, who will compete as the 12th seed this year, said at the Caja Magica. “The subsequent two weeks are going to be very thrilling.”

Ruud’s mere presence in Madrid is sweet information. Only 13 days in the past, the Norwegian needed to retire resulting from harm from his third-round match on the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, one of essentially the most prestigious occasions of the European clay swing. In a quest to seek out his greatest type, Ruud sought solace within the firm of former No. 1 participant within the PIF ATP Rankings Rafael Nadal.

“I’m happy to say I’m fully recovered,” revealed Ruud. “I was a bit worried at first, I thought Madrid would be tough. But I’ve had good days of recovery. I spent a week in Mallorca, training at Rafa’s academy and working on fitness off the court. I’m really pleased to be here, ready to compete again.”

The advice of file five-time Madrid champion Nadal stays contemporary in Ruud’s thoughts. Nadal’s phrases promise to prime the reigning champion with confidence earlier than he embarks on the problem of defending his trophy within the Spanish capital.

“Rafa has encouraged me to carry on and give my best,” Ruud mentioned. “You cannot ask any extra of a participant. Rafa has gained so many large titles on clay, I may by no means examine myself to him. He’s in a league of his personal on this floor. If there’s one factor you may study from him, it is willpower. He by no means gave up, and he was capable of win many matches with out being at his greatest as a result of he was so nicely ready bodily and mentally.

“There are so many things you can learn from Rafa. This time, we didn’t spend much time together on court. He encouraged me to keep going and told me I have plenty to fight for in the coming weeks.”

Now, having accomplished his bodily preparations, Ruud is able to try to defend the most important trophy of his profession. He is aware of his progress might be below scrutiny at a event the place he’ll be one of the title contenders as soon as once more. However, the Norwegian expects to be met with some fierce competitors, as is the case yearly in Madrid.

“It’s sad that Carlos [Alcaraz] and Novak [Djokovic] aren’t here, but plenty of players are coming into the tournament in good form,” said Ruud, who will face Jaume Munar or Alexander Shevchenko in his opening match. “Jannik [Sinner] is here and could achieve something historic if he wins, Arthur Fils is coming off a win in Barcelona. There’s also a young Spaniard, Rafael Jodarhe’s a fantastic player and will be a big name in the future. There are plenty of players to enjoy.”

Editor’s be aware: This story was translated from ATPTour.com/es