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

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Ruud reveals Nadal’s advice ahead of Madrid title defence

Norwegian will play Munar or Shevchenko in his opening match

April 22, 2026

The Caja Magica will at all times be a particular venue for Casper Ruud.

Exactly one yr in the past, the Norwegian lifted a very powerful trophy of his profession on the Mutua Madrid Open, proving his capability to compete for the largest prizes on the ATP Tour. Now, one of probably 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 achieved 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 as a consequence of harm from his third-round match on the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters, one of probably the most prestigious occasions of the European clay swing. In a quest to search out his finest 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 used to be a bit fearful at first, I believed Madrid could be robust. But I’ve had good days of restoration. I spent every week in Mallorca, coaching at Rafa’s academy and dealing on health off the court docket. I’m actually happy to be right here, able to compete once more”.

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 inspired me to hold on and provides my finest,” Ruud stated. “You cannot ask any extra of a participant. Rafa has gained so many massive titles on clay, I may by no means evaluate 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 dedication. He by no means gave up, and he was capable of win many matches with out being at his finest as a result of he was so effectively 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 largest trophy of his profession. He is aware of his progress will probably 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 Jodar, he’s a fantastic player and will be a big name in the future. There are plenty of players to enjoy.”

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