Engaged in Rome where he will play the quarter-finals this Wednesday against the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, Casper Ruud, in difficulty since the start of the season, delivered an astonishing statement on Rafael Nadal. At the moment, this is the big question on the circuit: how will the Mallorcan land at Roland-Garros or even will he present himself? The Norwegian says he will have to be in top form.
Passed very close to a first title in Grand Slam and the world number one spot at theU.S. Open last September, Casper Ruud has been struggling ever since. Engaged in ranged combat with Stefanos Tsitsipas to keep his place among the top 4 seeds at Roland Garrosit passed on the board of TennisChannel to give a little anecdote about Rafael Nadalhis executioner in the final in Paris last year…
“Rafa must be on top in every game”
Obviously less impressive with the years, Rafael Nadal remains the ultimate challenge on clay, even at almost 37 years old. However, the margin he has would be much smaller than in the past. “Toni told me that depth in men’s tennis right now is very important. Early in Rafa’s career he knew he would win 6–2 6–2 quietly because he was too strong for his opponents. Today, even on clay, Rafa has to be on top in every game, otherwise it will cost him dearly.” told Casper Ruudclose to the clan Nadal.
Roland-Garros: Rafael Nadal is heating up, the final decision is coming! https://t.co/VLO67zSwxj pic.twitter.com/tOtRLsbpkG
— le10sport (@le10sport) May 16, 2023
A significant depth
A few years ago, only a few players dominated the circuit and behind them, those who appeared in the top 15 were also very consistent, which meant that surprises were a little rarer. For years the Big 3 got their hands on the big tournaments and even when they didn’t win, great players managed to do so. Recently, the dynamic has changed a bit as explained Casper Ruud : “At the time, there were around 10 to 15 players who were playing very well. Today they are all very professional and you have the feeling that you have to give the best of yourself. In the Masters 1000 we see big surprises like Struff or, last year, Coric, Rune or Carreno Busta, who won a title when they were not favorites. I think it’s a good thing for tennis. »
Operation impossible for Nadal?
When you haven’t played for such a long time at a high level, it is difficult to find your automatisms in such a short period of time. Even if the latest news is reassuring since he seems to have increased his intensity during his last training sessions, managing to win Roland Garros for the fifteenth time under these conditions and at the age of 37 would be a miracle.