Ruud is among the contenders to make the podium at the Paris Olympics, with 11 clay-court titles to his name (two this season). He triumphed at this week’s 250-level event in 2021 and finished runner-up last year to Andrey Rublev.
Returning to the court with his childhood idol, Ruud and Nadal squeaked by Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin, 6-4, 3-6 [12-10]. The duo, which ousted the second seeds in their debut, saved a match point at 9-10 before pulling ahead to cap off a thrilling victory.
“It was not the best beginning of the day, but very nice way to finish the day for me winning alongside Rafa,” Ruud said on court.
“Not easy to be on court after losing singles. Casper played so well this afternoon, so well done for him,” added Nadal. “We had some fun, have been an emotional match at the end, a good level of tennis against two good players. So we enjoy it.”
