<p>Norway's 23-year-old Casper Ruud was up against his idol Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open men's final on Sunday (June 05). Becoming the first-ever from his country to reach a Major final, Ruud had no answers against Nadal as the Spainard won the battle 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in straight sets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was a dominant display from Nadal. While he won the first set, 6-3, in no time, he was behind in the second set as Ruud led 3-1. However, the 36-year-old rose his game to bounce back and demolished his opposition in a jiffy to seal the finale and win his 14th French Open trophy, also claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title overall.</p>

<p>After the proceedings, Ruud lavished huge praise on Nadal and revealed how not to play against him on clay courts. "Well, I wish I knew the answers too, but I got a cheap break of serve I think in the second set and was up 3-1, and of course wanted to get the match going and maybe try to win the set," Ruud said in a post-match press conference.</p>

<p>"But then he stepped up and he showed that when he needs to he plays great. It was tough for me to really know where I should play the ball. When you are playing defensive against Rafa on clay, he will eat you alive," Ruud opined.</p>

<p>"I said before the match that I guess it is. But now I think I know it is. At least what I have faced. It's really challenging and really tough. But I already knew it in a way,"&nbsp;Ruud added, who&nbsp;has also trained at Rafael Nadal's academy.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/do-you-use-make-up-french-open-champion-iga-swiatek-responds-to-absurd-question-by-journalist-485474">'Do you use make up?' French Open champion Iga Swiatek responds to absurd question by journalist</a></strong></p>

<p>At 36, Nadal battled injury concerns to reach the summit clash at the Roland Garros and returned with the elusive trophy. After the finale, he opened up on his future and Wimbledon participation and said, "I am going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss. Wimbledon is a priority, always has been a priority. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes. To play with anaesthetic injections, I do not want to put myself in that position again. It can happen once but no it's not the philosophy of life I want to follow. Let's see. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. Let's be confident, let's be positive and let's see what's going on," Nadal stated.</p>


Norway's 23-year-old Casper Ruud was up against his idol Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open men's final on Sunday (June 05). Becoming the first-ever from his country to reach a Major final, Ruud had no answers against Nadal as the Spainard won the battle 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in straight sets.

Norway's 23-year-old Casper Ruud was up against his idol Rafael Nadal in the 2022 French Open men's final on Sunday (June 05). Becoming the first-ever from his country to reach a Major final, Ruud had no answers against Nadal as the Spainard won the battle 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in straight sets. It was a dominant display from Nadal. While he won the first set, 6-3, in no time, he was behind in the second set as Ruud led 3-1. However, the 36-year-old rose his game to bounce back and demolished his opposition in a jiffy to seal the finale and win his 14th French Open trophy, also claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title overall. After the proceedings, Ruud lavished huge praise on Nadal and revealed how not to play against him on clay courts. "Well, I wish I knew the answers too, but I got a cheap break of serve I think in the second set and was up 3-1, and of course wanted to get the match going and maybe try to win the set," Ruud said in a post-match press conference. "But then he stepped up and he showed that when he needs to he plays great. It was tough for me to really know where I should play the ball. When you are playing defensive against Rafa on clay, he will eat you alive," Ruud opined. "I said before the match that I guess it is. But now I think I know it is. At least what I have faced. It's really challenging and really tough. But I already knew it in a way," Ruud added, who has also trained at Rafael Nadal's academy. ALSO READ | 'Do you use make up?' French Open champion Iga Swiatek responds to absurd question by journalist At 36, Nadal battled injury concerns to reach the summit clash at the Roland Garros and returned with the elusive trophy. After the finale, he opened up on his future and Wimbledon participation and said, "I am going to be in Wimbledon if my body is ready to be in Wimbledon. Wimbledon is not a tournament that I want to miss. Wimbledon is a priority, always has been a priority. If I'm able to play with anti-inflammatories yes. To play with anaesthetic injections, I do not want to put myself in that position again. It can happen once but no it's not the philosophy of life I want to follow. Let's see. I am always a positive guy and always expect the things are going the right way. Let's be confident, let's be positive and let's see what's going on," Nadal stated.

'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final

<p>Casper Ruud will be up against his mentor Rafael Nadal in the men's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Sunday (June 05). Rudd has so far won six titles in his career, five of which have come on clay. He has an exceptional game for the claycourt and has been one of the most consistent players in this year's French Open. However, the Norweigan is set to play the biggest game of his career so far in the summit clash against Nadal on Sunday as he will be tasked to stop the raging Spaniard, who has been invincible at the Roland Garros.</p>

<p>Nadal, one of the greatest of all time, has dominated at French Open over the years and is yet to lose a final at Roland Garros. He has not lost once in 13 final appearances so far in the prestigious competition and will be bidding for a 14th title at the Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday.</p>

<p>If he manages to win the trophy, it will also be a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title for Nadal, further extending his lead over arch-rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 titles each. But standing in between him and the 22nd Grand Slam crown will be Ruud, who is the first man from his country to reach a Grand Slam singles final.</p>

<p>Several greats in the past, including the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka among others have tried to stop Nadal in a French Open final. However, they have all failed with the Spaniard maintaining a perfect 13-0 record. But Ruud will have some advantage this time around having played against Nadal several times at his academy.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/id-prefer-to-lose-the-final-rafael-nadal-ready-to-sacrifice-22nd-grand-slam-title-for-new-left-foot-485045">'I'd prefer to lose the final': Rafael Nadal ready to sacrifice 22nd Grand Slam title for new left foot</a></p>

<p>Not many know, but the Norweigan used to train at Nadal's academy in Manacor as a teenager and played several practice games against the Spanish icon. Ruud will be hoping to bring all his experience to use in the final against Nadal with his maiden Grand Slam title in sight.</p>

<p><strong>Casper Ruud - The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate</strong></p>

<p>Ruud trained under Nadal and got to learn the tricks and trade of te sport from him after he was sent to the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2018. The academy is run by Nadal's former coach and his uncle Tony along with the other members of his family and team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ruud's father Christian Ruud had revealed how his son got a chance to train at Nadal's academy and also stated that they enjoy a great relationship with the coaches and staff at the academy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When Casper Ruud was [a teenager], Carlos Costa came to me during the French Open and was wondering if he wanted to come [to the Rafa Nadal Academy] and try it out," Christian Ruud said. "It was a big step for us. We are very happy with our relationship with them, and hope it will continue for many years," Ruud's father had recalled in an interview.</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-iga-swiatek-receives-standing-ovation-for-stay-strong-ukraine-message-after-french-open-win-485278">WATCH: Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win</a></p>

<p>Talking about training with Nadal at his academy in&nbsp;Manacor, Ruud said he almost always got beaten by the Spaniard in practice matches between the duo. However, the Norweigan warned his mentor that it won't be his disciple but his opponent who would turn up against him at the French Open final on Sunday.</p>

<p>"We have played some practice sets (at the academy). And, yeah, it's been, I don't know honestly, but (Nadal)&nbsp;always pretty much has always beaten me. There's been some close sets, 7-6, 7-5, but it always goes his favor. But it's because we are playing in the academy and I want to be nice to him and give him (the win)," Ruud joked after beating Marin Cilic in the semi-final.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Casper Ruud will be up against his mentor Rafael Nadal in the men's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Sunday (June 05). Rudd has so far won six titles in his career, five of which have come on clay.

Casper Ruud will be up against his mentor Rafael Nadal in the men's singles final of the French Open 2022 on Sunday (June 05). Rudd has so far won six titles in his career, five of which have come on clay. He has an exceptional game for the claycourt and has been one of the most consistent players in this year's French Open. However, the Norweigan is set to play the biggest game of his career so far in the summit clash against Nadal on Sunday as he will be tasked to stop the raging Spaniard, who has been invincible at the Roland Garros. Nadal, one of the greatest of all time, has dominated at French Open over the years and is yet to lose a final at Roland Garros. He has not lost once in 13 final appearances so far in the prestigious competition and will be bidding for a 14th title at the Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday. If he manages to win the trophy, it will also be a record-extending 22nd Grand Slam title for Nadal, further extending his lead over arch-rivals Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer, who are both tied on 20 titles each. But standing in between him and the 22nd Grand Slam crown will be Ruud, who is the first man from his country to reach a Grand Slam singles final. Several greats in the past, including the likes of Federer, Djokovic and Stan Wawrinka among others have tried to stop Nadal in a French Open final. However, they have all failed with the Spaniard maintaining a perfect 13-0 record. But Ruud will have some advantage this time around having played against Nadal several times at his academy. Also Read: 'I'd prefer to lose the final': Rafael Nadal ready to sacrifice 22nd Grand Slam title for new left foot Not many know, but the Norweigan used to train at Nadal's academy in Manacor as a teenager and played several practice games against the Spanish icon. Ruud will be hoping to bring all his experience to use in the final against Nadal with his maiden Grand Slam title in sight. Casper Ruud - The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate Ruud trained under Nadal and got to learn the tricks and trade of te sport from him after he was sent to the Rafa Nadal Academy in 2018. The academy is run by Nadal's former coach and his uncle Tony along with the other members of his family and team. Ruud's father Christian Ruud had revealed how his son got a chance to train at Nadal's academy and also stated that they enjoy a great relationship with the coaches and staff at the academy. "When Casper Ruud was [a teenager], Carlos Costa came to me during the French Open and was wondering if he wanted to come [to the Rafa Nadal Academy] and try it out," Christian Ruud said. "It was a big step for us. We are very happy with our relationship with them, and hope it will continue for many years," Ruud's father had recalled in an interview. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Casper Ruud (@casperruud) × Also Read: WATCH: Swiatek receives standing ovation for 'Stay strong Ukraine' message after French Open win Talking about training with Nadal at his academy in Manacor, Ruud said he almost always got beaten by the Spaniard in practice matches between the duo. However, the Norweigan warned his mentor that it won't be his disciple but his opponent who would turn up against him at the French Open final on Sunday. "We have played some practice sets (at the academy). And, yeah, it's been, I don't know honestly, but (Nadal) always pretty much has always beaten me. There's been some close sets, 7-6, 7-5, but it always goes his favor. But it's because we are playing in the academy and I want to be nice to him and give him (the win)," Ruud joked after beating Marin Cilic in the semi-final.

Casper Ruud - The Nadal Academy trainee up against his mentor in French Open showdown

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'He'll eat you alive' - Casper Rudd on his experience of playing invincible Rafael Nadal in French Open final

Casper Ruud - The Nadal Academy trainee up against his mentor in French Open showdown