Even if they are well in their 30s, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are still dominating when playing slams. Casper Ruud is getting closer and closer to winning his first slam, but he is very well aware that he needs to emulate Nadal and Djokovic, playing at his best during crunch time.

During a recent interview, Casper confessed that he needs to have their mentality to improve his results. Rudd revealed: “Djokovic and Nadal have this ability to play well when they really need to, in key moments, which I don’t. It’s something I need to improve, for sure.”

Rafael Nadal in 2022

At the moment ranked no.2, the Spaniard played his last match on the 17^th of November when he overcame world no.3 Casper Ruud 7-5 7-5 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).

At present, during this year the Spaniard achieved a compiled 39-8 match record. The Spaniard clinched 4 titles in 2022 in Melbourne, Australian Open, Acapulco and French Open. Nadal got to the final in Indian Wells.

Novak Djokovic in 2022

Now ranked no.5, Novak played his last match on the 20^th of November when he beat world no.3 Casper Ruud 7-5 6-3

in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals to win his 91^st career title.

Presently, during this year Novak has a 42-7 win-loss record. The Serbian clinched 5 titles in 2022 in Rome, Wimbledon, Tel Aviv, Astana and the Nitto ATP Finals. Djokovic reached the final in Belgrade and Paris.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic squared off 59 times. Their current record is 30-29 for Djokovic. Previously, the last time they locked horns, Rafael Nadal won 6-2 4-6 6-2 7-6(4) in the quarter in Paris (French Open) on the 31^st of May 2022.

In the video below you can watch the highlights.

Casper Ruud in 2022

Ranked no.3, Casper played his last match on the 20^th of November when he lost to world no.5 Novak Djokovic 7-5 6-3 in the final in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).

At present, during this year Casper has a 51-22 win-loss record. Ruud has won 3 titles in 2022 in Buenos Aires, Geneva and Gstaad. The Norwegian was the finalist in Miami, at the French Open, at the U.S. Open and the Nitto ATP Finals.