Casper Ruud highlights his preparation at the Rafa Nadal Academy before defending his crown in Madrid

24.04.2026

RNA Editorial.

Casper Ruud faces the defense of his title at the Mutua Madrid Open after completing an intense week of work at the Rafa Nadal Academy, where he also spent time with Rafael Nadal.

Exactly one year ago, the Norwegian player lifted the most important trophy of his career at the Caja Mágica, confirming his ability to compete for the biggest titles on the ATP circuit. Now he returns to the Spanish capital with a new status: that of defending champion.

“It’s a motivation for me to return to the tournament and try to play good tennis. The next two weeks are going to be very exciting,” Ruud explained upon his arrival in Madrid.

Ruud, a player who has trained at the Academy since 2018, also confirmed that he arrives fully recovered after some physical problems suffered in Monte Carlo. “I’m happy to say that I’m 100% recovered. I was a bit worried at first, I thought Madrid would be difficult. But I’ve had good recovery days. I spent a week in Mallorca, training at Rafa’s academy and doing physical work off the court. I’m very happy to be here ready to compete again,” he said on the ‘Game, Set, Madrid’ program from the official Mutua Madrid Open media.

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Before heading to Madrid, Ruud worked at the Academy’s facilities fine-tuning his game ahead of one of the key events on the European clay court tour. The Norwegian has maintained a close relationship with Nadal for years and once again valued that personal and professional bond.

“It’s good. Rafa is a very nice person, although at the same time he’s very busy and has a lot of things going on in his life. I don’t want to bother him too much, but it’s nice to see him from time to time. It’s not easy to find much time, but when we share moments together it’s always very pleasant.”

Ruud also had words of recognition for the Academy and its training programs: “It’s an incredible place to come for a week or two, enjoy yourself and play tennis for fun or if you want to become a professional. There are different programs and solutions.”

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In addition to the on-court work, the Norwegian highlighted the value of the advice received from the Spaniard, the tournament’s all-time greatest champion.
“Rafa has encouraged me to keep going and give my best. There’s nothing more you can ask of a player. If there’s one thing you can learn from him, it’s determination. He never gave up and was able to win many matches without reaching his best level, because he was physically and mentally very well prepared.”

Currently ranked twelfth in the ATP rankings, Ruud now faces the challenge of defending his throne in Madrid and continuing to expand a record that places him among the current top references on clay. His first obstacle: another Rafa Nadal Academy player, Jaume Munar.