Rafael Nadal’s academy in Mallorca recently celebrated a significant milestone with the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024. Among the graduates was Charlotte Ruud, the younger sister of Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud.
Casper Ruud joined Nadal’s academy in 2018, when he was ranked outside the top 100. Since then, he has achieved remarkable success, securing 12 titles and reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 2. Ruud has been a consistent presence in the world’s top 10 since 2021 and has reached three Grand Slam finals: the French Open twice (2022, 2023) and the US Open once (2022).
In 2023, it was revealed that Charlotte Ruud had followed her brother’s path by joining the Rafa Nadal Academy. The 18-year-old also enrolled in the Rafa Nadal School, and this year, she proudly graduated.
On June 12, Rafael Nadal attended the graduation ceremony alongside his coach, Carlos Moya. After delivering inspiring speeches, both Nadal and Moya felicitated the students and posed for photos. Casper Ruud expressed his joy and pride on Instagram, congratulating his sister on her achievement: “Congrats on your graduation from the @rafanadalacademy.”
Charlotte Ruud has signed with the University of South Florida and will be playing tennis for the South Florida Bulls, marking another exciting chapter in her tennis journey.
Rafael Nadal in 2024
Ranked world no.264, Nadal played his last match on the 27th of May when he surrendered to world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 in the 1st round of the French Open (draw).
Until now, during this year Nadal has managed to achieve an overall 7-5 record.
He is also scheduled to play in Bastad (Nordea Open) after Wimbledon. The main draw will start on the 1st of July.
Casper Ruud in 2024
LWLWLLLLWL Now ranked no.7, Ruud played his last match on the 7th of June when he lost to world no.4 Alexander Zverev 2-6 6-2 6-4 6-2 in the semifinal of the French Open (draw).
Presently, during this year Casper has a 39-10 win-loss record. Ruud conquered 2 titles in 2024 in Barcelona and Geneva. Casper was the runner-up in Los Cabos, Acapulco and Monte-Carlo.
Ruud is scheduled to compete next at the Wimbledon (Wimbledon). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 1st of July.
Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud played each other just on 2 occasions. Their actual head to head record is 2-0 for Nadal. The last time they fought against each other, Rafael Nadal won 7-5 7-5 in the round robin in Turin (Nitto ATP Finals) in November 2022.
In the video below you can watch the highlights.
Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud |
| Embed from Getty Images |
