Ruud and the Importance of Nadal in His Return After the Injury

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 23 Apr 2026 | 11.38

Casper Ruud, importance of Nadal. Photo: gettyimages

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Casper Ruud returns to the place where, last year, he experienced one of the best moments of his career by conquering his only Grand Title so far. The Norwegian is doing so with caution, after miraculously recovering from the injury suffered in Monte Carlo, but also with an extra motivation due to the influence of Rafael Nadal.

Many believe that his best days are behind him and that the fierce competition emerging in the circuit will push the Norwegian into the background. What is clear is that Casper Ruud maintains his strong will to stay in the elite and still has a long career ahead. At just 27 years old, the Norwegian remains firmly in the top 15 of the ATP rankings, although failing to deliver a strong performance in this Mutua Madrid Open 2026 will cost him many positions. This is because he is defending the title he won last year after recovering from an incident in Monte Carlo.

Ruud defends the title at the Mutua Madrid Open 2026 and could drop significantly in the ATP rankings if he doesn't reach the final stages

"I suffered a kind of muscle tear. I believe I made the right decision to withdraw shortly after feeling it because I prevented it from getting worse. In the first few days, I could barely walk up or down stairs, but I managed to recover very well. I went to Mallorca, spent a week at Rafa's academy, and did a great job in terms of physical conditioning. I am fully recovered and ready to compete again," said a man who became a father a few months ago and has not achieved any brilliant results so far this season.

Asked about his return to the Magic Box, the Norwegian was emphatic. "It's very nice, I remember that week with affection because it meant a lot to me to win a Grand Title. I hope to feel inspired upon returning and play great tennis," said a man who did not hide the importance of Rafael Nadal in his career and how much the Spaniard still follows his progress, acknowledging that he had talked to him during his stay at the academy before this tournament.

"This time we couldn't spend much time on the court together, but we did have a chat. He encouraged me to work hard because I have very important things to fight for in the coming weeks. I feel like there is much to learn from him, especially that determination and ability to never give up that he always had in his career. He was able to win many matches in which he perhaps wasn't playing his best tennis, thanks to how well-prepared he was physically and mentally. I could never compare myself to him; he is in another league, but it's nice that he gets involved and encourages me in that way," said Casper Ruud, who will debut against Munar or Shevchenko in the Mutua Madrid Open 2026.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ruud y la importancia de Nadal en su regreso tras la lesión