Casper Ruud has revealed that Rafael Nadal is an extremely tough competitor in golf and that he has often lost to the Spaniard in that sport as well.
The Norwegian reached his maiden Masters 1000 final in Miami by beating Francisco Cerundolo on Friday 6-4, 6-1.
During his post-match press conference, Ruud spoke about his interest in golf. The Norwegian said he was looking forward to watching the prestigious golf Masters, which commences next week in Houston.
"I have always watched The Masters in golf, and obviously it's coming up next week and I can't wait for it to watch on TV again. It's fun, because I will probably be here in the country while it's ongoing, in Houston next week at the tournament. Yeah, they show it all over TV, so it's a perfect place to watch The Masters," Ruud said.
Ruud was also asked if he had played golf with Nadal. The Norwegian replied that he did play against the Spaniard in Mallorca and lost. He also mentioned that Nadal is a good golfer and a tough, tough competitor.
"Yes, I have," Ruud added. "Played with him a couple of times in Mallorca. He's a very good golfer, and... No I didn't win. He beat me there as well. He's a very, very tough competitor. Honestly, like, a bit tough to play with, because he doesn't say much because he's so focused. Usually on the golf course you are laughing a little bit and joking around. With him, it's no jokes."
Casper Ruud will take on Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Miami Open
Standing between Casper Ruud and a first Masters 1000 title is 14th seed Carlos Alcaraz, who has played some sensational tennis lately. The Spaniard beat reigning champion Hubert Hurkacz in the semifinals to reach his first Masters 1000 final.
Ruud and Alcaraz met in the quarterfinals of the Andalucia Open last year with the latter winning 6-2, 6-4.
The Norwegian said he hoped to get his revenge on the young Spaniard this time around.
"Well, I think we all can see like how talented he is, that he has a very good I think mind for tennis," Casper Ruud said. "He understands the game very well. He knows when to hit certain shots and when, you know, probably not to. But he is, at his highest level, very, very good, but he also plays high risk, I think, so he goes for the shots quite often. Hopefully if I play him he will miss a couple of those.
"I played him last year. I think he played a very good match. You know, I barely had any chance at all, I felt like, so I would try to seek revenge of course. He was just coming out firing flames at me. If I play him I will try to use that and think I would like to get some revenge," Ruud added.
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