"Looked up to Rafael Nadal all childhood... came here as a 13-year-old": Casper Ruud highlights significance of 1st ATP 500 at Barcelona Open

Casper Ruud, the newly crowned 2024 Barcelona Open champion, was elated to hoist the biggest trophy of his career so far on the court named after his idol – Rafael Nadal.

Ruud, who was beaten by Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Monte-Carlo Masters final last week, avenged the loss to the Greek 7-5, 6-3 in the final in Barcelona on Sunday, April 21. The victory is significant given this is Casper Ruud’s first title above the ATP 250 category -- he has won ten such titles.

The former World No. 2 featured in the finals of three Grand Slams, two Masters 1000s, and one other ATP 500, but he’d never aced the test in those title clashes.

During his on-court interview, Casper Ruud called the victory over four-time runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas “worth the wait.”

"Honestly, this has been worth all the wait. You know, lot of finals that I’ve lost have been tough; a bit disappointing of course. (But) any time you reach a final, it’s nonetheless a good week, so (you) can’t be too hard on yourself," he noted. "But this one’s been a long time coming."

The Norwegian said that he was delighted to have made his career breakthrough at the Barcelona Open – a tournament which is very dear to his idol Rafael Nadal.

The Spaniard, who was in action at the tournament earlier this week, has won the coveted title a staggering 12 times. In honor of the legend, the center court was renamed “Pista Rafa Nadal” in 2017.

"And super happy to do it here in Barcelona, in front of a packed stadium today. And Rafa Nadal court is special to me as I looked up to him all my childhood and came here myself as a 13-year-old boy to watch him and the others play here, so a great feeling," he added.

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Casper Ruud trained at Rafael Nadal's academy in Spain

The Spaniard and Casper Ruud (R) pictured at the 2022 French Open

Casper Ruud has always been vocal about his admiration for Rafael Nadal. He has also regularly trained at the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s academy in Mallorca since 2018.

The Norwegian often earns plaudits from Nadal, his family, and his academy, after significant achievements. In 2022, Ruud also enjoyed the privilege of sharing the podium with his idol at the French Open, which was his maiden Grand Slam final.

A proud Rafael Nadal praised Casper Ruud exploits at the time.

"First of all, Casper, it’s a real pleasure to play with you a final here in Roland Garros. You are great. I want to congratulate you for an amazing career you are having," the 14-time French Open champion said at the time.

"Especially these two weeks, I think it is a very important step forward. I am very, very happy for you and your family and your team. I wish you all the very best for the future," he added, as per his academy's Instagram page.

Following the Barcelona Open, the Spaniard and the Norwegian will now been in action at the Masters 1000 event in Madrid (April 24- May 5).