Casper Ruud ranked 5, is one of the favorites going into the Canadian Open. The Norwegian player has had a great start to the tournament, winning his first bout. After the match, he made his fans and the crowd in Montreal reminisce about his antics two years ago. He drew a maple leaf on the camera, which reminded everyone of the challenge he won against his idol Rafael Nadal.
The Maple leaf challenge began at the 2021 Canadian Open. The organizers invited several players competing in the tour, and they took their best shot at making a maple leaf. The victor reminded everyone of his art skills after winning his first match at the tournament.
Casper Ruud reminds everyone of his art skills
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Returning to the National Bank Open as the favorite once again, Ruud has delighted fans with his display of skills. Facing Jiri Lehecka in the first round, the Norwegian player experienced some difficulties. He had a poor start to the first set but still managed to clinch it with the final score, 7-6. After leading the second set with extreme panache, Casper sealed his victory with a final score of 6-4.
As he packed his bags and walked out of the venue, he drew a maple leaf on the camera as he left his mark on the court. “Casper Ruud ⏩ 3R @ Toronto. 6-2 in Canada. After poor start in 1st set -improved performance in 2nd in patches-13 points won in row at one point. Reminds everyone he won Maple leaf challenge 2 years ago 😀“.
Casper Ruud⏭️3R @ Toronto. 6-2 in Canada.
After poor start in 1st set -improved performance in 2nd in patches-13 points won in row at one point.Reminds everyone he won Maple leaf challenge 2 years ago😃 pic.twitter.com/OwHgN4Gra8
— Llama 𝕊𝕒𝕪𝕤 ☄🌠🚀 (@tennis_lol) August 9, 2023
The challenge Ruud attempted took place two years ago, prior to the beginning of the tournament.
Norwegian fanboy takes victory from idol
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At the 2021 National Bank Open, several stars took part in a promotional campaign. Stars like Daniil Medvedev, Diego Schwartzman, Rafael Nadal, and Nick Kyrgios took part in the Maple Leaf Challenge. They had 30 seconds to draw a Maple leaf, the symbol of the Canadian flag, on a tennis ball. Each player showed their rendition of the leaf, but only Casper Ruud emerged victorious.
Maple Leaf by Rafa Nadal and Casper Ruud🥇 pic.twitter.com/Ji2I9K0j7E
— Llama 𝕊𝕒𝕪𝕤 ☄🌠🚀 (@tennis_lol) August 9, 2023
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He took victory over his boyhood idol, Nadal, and can seal it in his memories forever. Coming back to the tournament as rank 5, Ruud gave everyone a flashback of his victory.
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