Rafa touch refines Ruud for Madrid start

Casper Ruud credits a week of training and injury recovery at the Rafael Nadal academy with lifting his game as he starts a Masters 1000 title defence this week in Madrid.

The Norwegian who had to retire in the second set of his Monte Carlo third-round match this month, spent a week at Nadal’s academy on the island of Mallorca and said he is feeling fit and ready.

“I’m happy to say I’m fully recovered”, the No. 15 said. “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 Scandinavian credits the retired Nadal with constant encouragement during his training visit.

“Rafa has encouraged me to carry on and give my best. You can’t ask any more of a player. Rafa has won so many big titles on clay, I could never compare myself to him. 

“He’s in a league of his own 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 being at his best because he was so well prepared physically 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”.

Main photo:- Casper Ruud with Madrid 2025 trophy – by ISF Ltd