Nadal & Ruud Save Match Point Drama in Epic Bastad Doubles Win!

Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud’s teamwork went to another level at the Bastad Open this week. The duo, affectionately nicknamed “Ruudal” by fans, saved a match point in a nail-biting tie-break to reach the doubles semi-finals on Wednesday.

Their victory against the French-Russian pair of Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin was a rollercoaster ride. Nadal and Ruud took the first set 6-4 but found themselves pushed back in the second, losing it 3-6. The tension soared in the deciding set tie-break when Arribage and Safiullin held a match point at 9-10.

But champions rise to the occasion, and that’s exactly what Ruudal did. They clawed their way back, winning the next three points in a row. A backhand volley winner by Nadal sealed the deal, sending the crowd into a frenzy and securing their place in the last four.

“I think we had some fun,” said Nadal after the match. “It was an emotional match at the end, a good level of tennis against two good players.” He also praised the electric atmosphere, noting, “Full crowd in a doubles match, that’s fantastic.”

This win comes after a bittersweet day for Ruud. He was knocked out of the singles competition earlier on Wednesday. But partnering with the legendary Nadal provided a much-needed boost, and their fighting spirit shone through.

The victory has also given birth to a new nickname for the pair. When asked about “Ruudal,” Nadal chuckled and said, “I have Fedal [his historic partnership with Roger Federer], and now Ruudal… so both!”

With their camaraderie and fighting spirit on display, Nadal and Ruud are a force to be reckoned with in the remaining rounds. Tennis fans will be eagerly waiting to see if Ruudal can continue their magical run in Bastad.