Casper Ruud recently revealed his reaction after getting a partnership proposal from Rafael Nadal for the doubles tournament at the Nordea Open in Bastad.
The lead-up to the Paris Olympics 2024 for Nadal and Ruud began well as they defeated the team of Miguel Angel Reyes-Varela and Guido Andreozzi 6-1, 6-4 in the first round of the ATP 250 event.
Nadal, who missed most of the 2023 season due to injury concerns, has struggled to regain his form this year as well. His only appearance in a Grand Slam was at the 2024 French Open, where he faced an early exit in the first round against Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard subsequently opted out of the grasscourt Major to prepare for the Paris Olympics 2024, likely his last.
Meanwhile, Ruud’s latest outing was at the London Major, where he exited in the second round, losing to Italy’s Fabio Fognini.Speaking at the press conference before the ATP event, the Norwegian disclosed that he received a text from the 22-time Major champion proposing they team up in the doubles, and he immediately accepted.
“Rafa sent a text and asked. I don’t usually play doubles, but when Rafa asks, it’s easy to say yes,” Casper Ruud said.
Rafael Nadal to team up with Carlos Alcaraz for the doubles event in the Paris Olympics 2024
Rafael Nadal will be teaming up with the four-time Major champion Carlos Alcaraz in the doubles competition at the Olympics. This update was shared last month by David Ferrer, Spain’s men’s tennis team captain for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Nadal also stated that he was trying to be well-prepared before partnering with the 21-year-old, despite not having played doubles for a long time.
“I’m going to try to be as well prepared as possible. I haven’t played doubles for a long time, but Carlos is in a fantastic moment after winning in Paris, so I’ll try to be as well prepared as possible to be a good partner for him,” Nadal told the reporters (via Punto de Break).
Carlos Alcaraz will be participating in the Olympics for the first time at the upcoming Games in Paris. He recently expressed his aim to win a gold medal for his country and his excitement about teaming up with Rafael Nadal.In addition to competing in doubles, Nadal and Alcaraz will also participate in the men’s singles tournament. The tennis events at the 2024 Paris Olympics start on July 27.
