– The tears came quickly when things went badly and I lost. I remember there were several games I cried after the loss. When you look back on it, it’s completely ridiculous, says Ruud. The final-ready Norwegian stated shortly after the match that he could previously be a whining cup when there was a headwind on the field. He is asked to elaborate by VG at the press conference after the semifinal against Marin Cilic. – It had nothing to say how the fight you went, when you were 10-11 years old. But there and then it felt like the end of the world. He says that changed when he was 15-16 years old and started training with Pedro Rico. The Spaniard was present when Ruud won his first ITF title in 2016. – He was very strict and thinks it was important that I let it go. He said that when you come on the ATP tour, all matches cost. To spend energy whining and complaining too much, it is completely unnecessary, says Ruud. Praised by Nadal Now he has given up the habits. He tries to put all his energy into the next match. And when the competitors do not behave as expected, he tries for the longest time to keep the mask, as against Danish Holger Rune in the quarterfinals. Against Rafael Nadal in the final by Roland Garros, there is hardly a high probability that non-sporting events will steal focus. He is – like Ruud – a player who rarely behaves badly. The Spaniard is full of praise for the Norwegian, who since 2018 has been associated with the Rafael Nadal Academy. – He has a very nice personality when it comes to tennis. He is relaxed and humble, and always positive to learn more. As I always say, I like that good people achieve their dreams, says Nadal to news. TRAINING TOGETHER: Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud in 2020, when they were number 1 and 53 respectively on the ATP rankings. Now they are number 5 and 8. Photo: Margret Helland Now the Norwegian is looking forward to a long-awaited duel against the idol. The wait is over – It has been worth the wait to finally meet him. It has been close in Rome and a few other places, but that has never happened. Meeting him in the final in Roland Garros is something very special and incredible, says Casper Ruud to news. Ruud has met Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, but never the last of the “three monsters” as Andy Murray has called them. Now the 23-year-old faces his biggest challenge in his career – and perhaps the biggest you can get on the tennis court. – He has never lost a final and won 13. It is a completely extreme record that I never think will be broken. If I had to beat it, I would have had to win this year until I was 36, so it’s a bit unreal to think like that, says Ruud. NADAL’S FIRST: Rafael Nadal took his first Roland Garros triumph in 2005. Photo: LIONEL CIRONNEAU / AP Ruud still remembers well the first time Nadal won in Paris as a 19-year-old: – Then I was probably only 5-6 years old, I think, and watched TV at home in the living room. That was when I became a fan. That’s what it started with. And then he had that rawness, long hair, played in the singlet and was strong. And played a fun tennis. – Something I can brag about Philippe Chatrier is home for Nadal. 13 of his 21 Grand Slam triumphs have come here in Paris. None of the finals have ended in losses. And Ruud will be in very good company regardless of the outcome. The names of those who have lost the court include the biggest stars in the tennis world: Mariano Puerta, Roger Federer (4), Robin Söderling, Novak Djokovic (3), David Ferrer, Stan Wawrinka , Dominic Thiem (2). – Being part of that group is something I can brag about for the rest of my career. Of course, I will try to go for the title, and it would be better to have it to brag about after my career. For the record, four out of seven of them have won Grand Slam finals before or after the Nadal loss. Psychological advantage Ruud’s semi-final opponent, Marin Cilic, has met Rafael Nadal nine over the years on the ATP tour. Asked if he sees similarities in their game, the former US Open winner tells Ruud that they are reminiscent of each other. – Casper is in a way a bit like a right-handed Rafa. He is also far behind on the returns, hits many balls with a high arc, has an incredible forehand and is quite calm on the court. CONGRATULATIONS RUUD: Marin Cilic took the loss with a grain of salt. Now he believes that Ruud has a chance to beat Nadal in the final. Photo: THOMAS SAMSON / AFP Cilic does not ignore the fact that Ruud can stand in the way of Nadal’s 14th Roland Garros title. – Yes absolutely. It’s a final and Casper is playing solid. A disadvantage and advantage may be that they have never met each other. So it’s obviously a small psychological advantage for Rafa to play here and feel at home, while it’s the first time for Casper. – But I definitely think he plays very well. He is calm on the court. I think he’s going to keep this level. PS! The Roland Garros final between Casper Ruud and Rafael Nadal can be heard on news Sport on Sunday, at 15.00.
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Ruud received a stern message for his behavior – praised by Nadal for his humility – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcast schedule
