Casper Ruud poses with US Open runner-up title. (AP Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Casper Ruud is a product of Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca
- Ruud reached the finals of two Grand Slams – French Open and US Open this year
- Ruud lost to Nadal at French Open and went down against Alcaraz at US Open
Norwegian Casper Ruud rose from world number seven to two in the ATP rankings after finishing as the runner-up at the 2022 US Open.
The 23-year-old Ruud‘s journey to professional tennis has been remarkable. He went to the 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca in 2018.
The product of the iconic academy, went onto play his maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open earlier this year. Ruud, however, suffered a straight three-set defeat 3-6, 3-6, 0-6 at the hands of none other than Nadal.
In 2018 a young Norwegian player named @CasperRuud98 arrived in Mallorca.
Tonight he will play his second Grand Slam final and could be No. 1!Whatever happens tonight in New York… We’re so proud of you! VAMOS
: @MovistarPlus & @PrimeVideoES pic.twitter.com/OTjOrHQ7vI
— Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar (@rnadalacademy) September 11, 2022
Ruud built on his Paris outing in New York as he stormed into the final of the US Open. Along the way, he eliminated Nadal from the race to become world number one as he won his semi-final match against Marin Cilic at Flushing Meadows.
The equation came to Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud playing the US Open final for their maiden Grand Slam final and becoming the new world number one.
The Norwegian fell short in front of the Spanish sensation Alcaraz in the four-set thriller 4-6, 6-2, 6-7(1-7), 3-6. Ruud was aiming to become the first player from Norway to attain the No.1 ATP rank. He, however, ensured himself No.2 career-high rank thanks to his run in the year-end major tournament.
ALSO READ: Roland Garros draws parallel between Nadal and Alcaraz
“In Roland Garros, (it) was hard for me to believe that I could beat Rafa,” Ruud said after losing the US Open final to Alcaraz. “I guess I hope I don’t play a Spanish player if I ever reach another Slam final. They know what they’re doing in the Slam finals.”
Ruud said that Alcaraz was a “hard nut to crack.” He added: “I still thought I was the underdog in a way. But it was more fun for me today. I didn’t need to play the biggest idol of my life on the biggest match of my life. It was sort of easier for me to believe that I could win.
“Today was not easier, but I believed it more. I think these two tournaments have sort of made my self-belief to win a Grand Slam grow,” he said.
Nadal congratulated Ruud for his “amazing” run in the year-end tournament as well as the season. In a tweet, the Spanish great said: “Great effort Casper Ruud! very proud of you! Tough luck today but amazing tournament and season! Keep going!”
