‘Taking Me Into Your Academy With Open Arms’ – French Open 2022 Finalist Casper Ruud Expresses Heart-Felt Gratitude for Rafael Nadal and His Family

Today at the French Open final, Rafael Nadal beat Casper Ruud in straight sets to win his 14th French Open title. In this match, Ruud had no answers to Nadal’s incredible play on the red soil.

After the match, the Norwegian tennis player gracefully accepted his defeat and congratulated the Spaniard for his incredible record at the French Open. Interestingly, he also thanked Nadal and his family for everything they did for him to grow as a tennis player.

Casper Ruud thanked Rafael Nadal for taking him into his academy

After the match, Ruud gave a classy speech and congratulated Nadal. “The first thing and the most important thing is to congratulate Rafa. It’s your 14 time here and 22nd all-around in Grand Slams. We all know what a champion you are and today, I got to feel how it is to play against you in a final and it’s not easy. I’m not the first victim (laughs) and I know that there have been many before,” Ruud said during his on-court speech. 

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Then, he thanked Nadal and his family for taking him into his family. “And again, to you Rafa, to your team, your family, taking me into your academy with open arms and also to my family, so thank you a lot,” he further said. 

“You are a true inspiration, for me, for everyone who follows tennis around the world. We all hope that you will continue for some more time,” he further said, telling Nadal to go on for a few more years.

Nadal is not retiring yet

In today’s final, Nadal took just 2 hours and 18 minutes to beat the World Number 8; the final score was 6-3 6-3 6-0. During his on-court interview, he made it pretty clear that he would like to continue for a few more years if his body allows it.

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Notably, Nadal had some troubles with his foot before the start of the French Open. However, he overcame that problem and won the French Open title with pure dominance. This win once again proves that Nadal is undoubtedly the ‘King of Clay’.

Can Nadal win more French Open titles in the future? Let us know in the comments.