Ruud Awakening

Growing up; Casper Ruud's idol was Rafael Nadal. For years he has imagined what it would be like to play against the clay court master in the French Open. Heck he even trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca for Christ's sake; and has practised many times against the Spanish master.

Well let's just say the young Norwegian got more than he bargained for. The reigning Australian Open champion was in no mood for niceties; as he pummeled the young pretender 6-3; 6-3; 6-0 to submission. The Spaniard was determined from the get-go; not wasting any time in fostering a strong lead; and the famed power and dramatic shots were there for all to see.

For Ruud; he did try his best after a somewhat nervous start; and there was a small time in the second set when he looked like he was capable of making this an encounter. In the end though; he fell into the usual script; overpowered by a clay court master that is basically unbeatable on this court. For Nadal; he is now halfway through to a Grand Slam; unbelievable at the age of 36 and just coming back from serious injury; and in an era when he has battled so  much with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic; it is now clear that he is on top.