'His values are very important for young kids': - Casper Ruud lauds Rafael Nadal

Casper Ruud has also trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy.

Two-time French Open runner-up Casper Ruud has lavished praise on Rafael Nadal by stating that his values are important for young kids.

Ruud, who defeated Felipe Alves in the first round, has been training regularly at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain since September 2018. Thus, after his opening round win at Roland-Garros, he was asked about Rafael Nadal‘s impact on him and the game of tennis.

Casper Ruud initially revealed that he had been watching Nadal play since he was only 5-years-old. In addition, he has also been a huge fan of the 22-time Grand Slam winner. The Norwegian tennis star later stated that Nadal’s values are important for kids. Moreover, the Spaniard’s mentality and never-give-up attitude have played a major role in making him an idol for the tennis world.

He said, “His values are very important for young kids. The determination, never giving up, never showing any weakness on the court, never complaining. It’s just incredible. The player he has been and the kind of legacy he has built for himself, the kind of respect he has among players, younger and older, of course, people also idolize him.”

Also Read: ‘I have gone through very tough two years in terms of injuries,’ says Rafael Nadal after first-round loss against Alexander Zverev at French Open 2024

At the French Open 2024, Rafael Nadal suffered an early elimination against Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the first round. It was Nadal’s first loss at Stade Roland Garros since 2021, when he lost to Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Casper Ruud recorded his 20th win at Roland-Garros; it is the first ATP tournament at which he has registered 20 wins. In addition, the 25-year-old is currently leading the ATP Tour with 36 wins in 2024.

Casper Ruud has been a part of the main draw of Roland-Garros at seven editions and he has managed to win his first round match at all. He also reached the finals of the French Open in 2022 and 2023, where he lost against Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic respectively. Nevertheless, the Norwegian tennis star would be looking forward to winning his first Grand Slam title this season.

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