Defending Champion Casper Ruud Overcomes Severe Calf Strain Following Strategic Training at Rafael Nadal’s Academy

Defending Madrid Open champion Casper Ruud reveals how he overcame a calf strain and received career advice from Rafael Nadal ahead of his title defense.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 4:05 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Precarious Path to the Madrid Title Defense

The participation of Casper Ruud in the 2026 Madrid Open remained in significant doubt until the final days leading up to the tournament. Following a mid-match retirement at the Monte-Carlo Masters against Felix Auger-Aliassime, the Norwegian world number 15 faced a grueling recovery process. Ruud admitted that the immediate aftermath of the injury was particularly alarming, noting that basic physical movements, such as walking up and down stairs, became a painful challenge. The sudden onset of the calf strain forced him to withdraw from the Barcelona Open, an event where he was the defending champion, as he prioritized healing over immediate competition.

Diagnostic Clarity and the Recovery Regimen

Medical examinations following the incident in the Principality revealed a small strain in the calf muscle, rather than the simple cramping Ruud had initially hoped for. The player described the sensation as the muscle feeling as though it had tightened or contracted significantly, causing intense discomfort. To manage the injury, Ruud followed a strict protocol of rest followed by incremental training loads. He observed that muscle injuries often possess a faster healing trajectory than ligament issues, and by focusing on increasing blood flow through targeted exercises, he was able to accelerate his return to the court faster than his initial fears had suggested.

Mentorship from a Clay Court Legend

A pivotal moment in Ruud’s recovery occurred during a training block at the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca. Seeking both physical conditioning and mental clarity, Ruud spent time in the environment of his childhood idol. While the two did not share extensive time on the court together, the 22-time Grand Slam champion provided essential encouragement. Nadal reportedly urged Ruud to maintain his determination and reminded him that he has significant goals to fight for in the peak of the clay season. Ruud noted that learning from Nadal’s legendary persistence is a primary goal, specifically the Spaniard's ability to win matches even when not performing at his physical peak.