Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel reacts to Casper Ruud's heroics at Barcelona Open 2024

Rafael Nadal’s sister Maribel showed her support after Casper Ruud clinched his maiden ATP 500 title at the 2024 Barcelona Open.

In a repeat of previous week’s Monte-Carlo Masters final, third seed Ruud took on fifth seed Tsitsipas in the title clash at the Barcelona Open on Sunday, April 21.

The Norwegian, who lost to Tsitsipas in Monte-Carlo, turned the tide with a 7-5, 6-3 victory. This was Tsitsipas’ fourth loss in the final of the ATP 500 event – he had lost to 12-time champion Nadal twice (2018, 2021) and Carlos Alcaraz last year.

Casper Ruud, who hadn’t won a title above the ATP 250 level, was applauded by the tennis world for his breakthrough. Rafael Nadal’s younger sister Maria Isabel, fondly called Maribel, too joined in the celebration after the Spaniard’s academy acknowledged the former World No. 2.

"WHAT A WIN @bcnopenbs CHAMPION‼️ Congratulations @casperruud! VAMOS‼️" the Spaniard's academy wrote on Instagram.

Maribel reacted to the triumph by adding clapping emojis.

Maribel on Instagram

Casper Ruud, who has regularly trained at the 22-time Grand Slam champion’s academy in Spain since 2018, often receives the family’s support after his victories.

In his winner’s speech in Barcelona, Ruud also said that he's grateful to have won his first 500-level title on Pista Rafa Nadal – the tournament’s main court named after the tennis legend.

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Before Casper Ruud's title win, Rafael Nadal's sister Maribel was present to cheer on her brother at Barcelona Open 2024

The Spaniard pictured at the 2024 Barcelona Open

Besides Casper Ruud, Rafael Nadal, the most successful champion in the history of the Barcelona Open, too, participated in the 2024 event. His decision to compete in front of his home fans came amid his ongoing injury struggles and issues with form.

The Spaniard was successful in his opening round against Flavio Cobolli but came a cropper against Alex de Minaur. Throughout the campaign, the legend was cheered on by his family, including his parents, his wife and son, and his sister Maribel.

Maribel shared her excitement at her brother’s return to competition by acknowledging the rapturous applause he was greeted with.

Following his exit, the Spaniard will next be in action at the Madrid Open (April 24- May 5), where he's a five-time champion. This will be his third tournament this season. Before the Barcelona Open, he competed at the Brisbane International in January, reaching the quarterfinals.