Casper Ruud has sent a message to Carlos Alcaraz, telling the two-time Wimbledon champion he is “available” to help him when he concludes his celebrations. Alcaraz has been savouring his success at SW19 after becoming a four-time Grand Slam winner following his victory over Novak Djokovic last Sunday, with Ruud joking he’s “probably busy partying.”
The Spaniard completed back-to-back triumphs at the French Open and Wimbledon after seeing off Novak Djokovic in a devastating straight-sets victory, winning 6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4) on Centre Court.
The 21-year-old is taking a short break after the gruelling two-week grass tournament to focus on the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where he will represent Spain in the singles and doubles alongside his idol, Rafael Nadal.
Nadal has been playing on clay at the Nordea Open in Bastad, Sweden to get some much-needed minutes in on the court after being forced to miss Wimbledon through injury.
The Spaniard, 38, teamed up with Ruud for the men’s doubles, and the duo have demonstrated a surprise rapport as a doubles pair by making the semi-finals. They were victorious over Romain Safiullin and Theo Arribage, taking a 6-4, 3-6, 12-10 victory to seal their place in the last four.
It has even led some to dub Ruud and Nadal ‘Ruudal’, although Nadal needed the nickname to be explained after asking his partner: “What is this?” before joking: “I have Fedal and now Ruudal!”
After striking up a favourable partnership with the 22-time Major winner, Ruud offered to give Alcaraz some pointers ahead of the Olympic tennis event – which starts on July 27 at Roland Garros.
“He’s busy probably partying after winning Wimbledon,” Ruud said of Alcaraz. “He has all the rights to enjoy. If he wants [to discuss Nadal], I’m available on the phone.”
The 25-year-old has enjoyed his run in the doubles, which helped salvage his tournament after a disappointing defeat to Thiago Monteiro in the singles competition.
Nadal, meanwhile, continues his journey in both sides of the competition as he prepares to face British No 2 Cameron Norrie in Sweden, giving him some ideal clay court preparation.
He is expected to link up with Alcaraz next week before their Olympics opener, with Alcaraz admitting he will tell himself to shut up as he looks to absorb some wisdom from the 14-time French Open winner.
“I’m not nervous right now. I’m sure I will be when the time comes closer,” Alcaraz told Mundo Deportivo.
“And yes, obviously, he has already experienced this, he already knows what it’s like to play in the Olympics, to win gold in both singles and doubles. I’m new, I’m the rookie here, so I have to shut up and listen to him.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk