Casper Ruud reveals what Rafael Nadal has told him after speaking with him recently

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Casper Ruud has received advice from Rafael Nadal after speaking to him recently.

Ruud joined the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2018 and he has spoken about how much he idolised the Spaniard growing up.

The Norwegian even got the opportunity to play alongside the 22-time Grand Slam champion, with Ruud and Nadal playing doubles together at the 2024 Nordea Open.

Despite Nadal being retired for nearly two years now, Ruud has revealed that he still speaks to the former world number one.

Casper Ruud admits he could never compare himself to Rafael Nadal

When speaking ahead of this year’s Madrid Open, where Ruud is the defending champion, he was asked about Nadal.

Ruud revealed the advice that he received from Nadal, but admitted that he could never compare himself to the 14-time French Open champion.

“Rafa has encouraged me to keep going and give my best,” said Ruud, as reported by the mutuamadridopen.com. “There’s nothing more you can ask of a player.

“Rafa has won so many important titles on clay, I could never compare myself to him. He’s in a different league than everyone else on this surface. If there’s one thing you can learn from him, it’s determination.

“He never gave up, and he was able to win many matches without reaching his best level because he was so well prepared, both physically and mentally.”

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Did Casper Ruud ever beat Rafael Nadal?

Despite attending Nadal’s academy, Ruud did also face his idol two times in his career.

This includes a Grand Slam final, with Nadal beating Ruud in the French Open final in 2022, which was the first major final of his career.

Ruud never actually won a set against Nadal, having also lost in straight sets at the ATP Finals in that same year.

The world number 15 will not have to deal with Nadal at the Madrid Open this year, as Ruud looks to defend the 1000 points he earned at the tournament in 2025.

Ruud is the 12th seed at this year’s Madrid Open and will play either Jaume Munar or Alexander Shevchenko in his opening match in the Spanish capital.