Casper Ruud says what he’s heard about Rafael Nadal since his retirement from tennis after admitting they haven’t seen each other

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Rafael Nadal retired from tennis in 2024, ending his legendary tennis career.

The Spanish star won 22 Grand Slam titles between 2005 and 2022 as he dominated the ATP Tour for several years.

His dominance was particularly evident at the French Open, where he won 14 titles, a record many agree will never be touched.

After struggling with injuries during the latter stages of his career, Nadal retired from tennis upon the conclusion of the 2024 Davis Cup Finals.

One player who looked up to Nadal during his younger years has now revealed what he’s heard about the Spaniard recently.

Casper Ruud has heard Rafael Nadal is ‘enjoying his new life’ but admits he hasn’t seen him since he retired

Speaking to Marca at this week’s Barcelona Open, Casper Ruud shared what he has heard about Nadal since he retired from tennis.

“I’ve heard he’s enjoying his new life,” he said.

“I assume he doesn’t miss waking up with a sore body and can live a normal life.

“He sacrificed himself for tennis for so long that it’s time to enjoy other things.”

The Norwegian did, however, admit he hasn’t seen the Spaniard since he retired from tennis last November.

“We haven’t seen each other,” said Ruud.

“I’ve sent him several messages. I hope to see him.”

Ruud and Nadal grew close during the Spaniard’s latter years on tour, playing an extended series of exhibition matches together in South America three years ago.

The pair also joined forces for the doubles tournament at the Swedish Open in 2024, Nadal’s final ATP Tour appearance.

Ruud and Nadal won their opening two matches, advancing to the semi-finals in Bastad.

• 2024 Swedish Open QF – Casper Ruud/Rafael Nadal beat Theo Arribage/Roman Safiullin, 6-4, 3-6, 12-10
• 2024 Swedish Open 1R – Casper Ruud/Rafael Nadal beat Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela/Guido Andreozzi, 6-1, 6-4

Nadal withdrew from the doubles ahead of their semi-final match, choosing to focus on the singles, where he lost to Nuno Borges in the final.

While Ruud hopes to see Nadal soon, he may be thankful that the 14-time champion won’t await him in this year’s French Open draw.

Casper Ruud says Rafael Nadal’s absence ‘statistically’ improves his odds of winning the French Open

The 26-year-old was then asked whether Nadal’s absence will improve his odds of winning the 2025 French Open.

“Yes and no,” said Ruud.

“I don’t know how it feels to win at Roland Garros, but I’ve played in two finals and I know it’s going to be difficult whether Rafa [Nadal] is there or not.

“It’s clear that statistically it’s going to be easier to win in Paris because Rafa has done it 14 times.

“We’ve all lost to him at some point.”

Ruud named four other players he thinks could contend for the Roland Garros title next month.

“[Carlos] Alcaraz won last year and can do so more times in the future,” he said.

“[Alexander] Zverev and [Stefanos] Tsitsipas have been finalists, there’s [Jannik] Sinner when he returns.

“There are many who can win, and I hope to be one of them.”

Ruud is one of just three active players to have reached multiple French Open finals, but is yet to lift the title on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The 26-year-old lost to Nadal in his first French Open final, before coming up short against Novak Djokovic in his second.

• 2023 French Open Final – Novak Djokovic beat Casper Ruud, 7-6, 6-3, 7-5
• 2022 French Open Final – Rafael Nadal beat Casper Ruud, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0

Only time will tell if Ruud can go one better and win his first Major title at this year’s French Open, but it will certainly be something to look out for.

The 2025 French Open is set to begin on Sunday, May 25.