Madrid Open 2026: Casper Ruud Injury Update, Title Defence, Nadal Academy, Roland Garros

Ruud targets strong clay run starting with Madrid defence  

Two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud begins his Madrid Open title defence vs Munar or Shevchenko, aiming for momentum before Roland Garros on May 24.

After retiring in Monte Carlo with a leg injury, Casper Ruud trained with Rafael Nadal in Mallorca ahead of his Madrid Open title defence this week...

Casper Ruud is banking on a brief spell at Rafa Nadal’s academy in Mallorca to revive his season as the 27-year-old returns from injury to defend his Madrid Open crown this week.

Ruud, who claimed his first Masters 1000 trophy in Madrid last year, picked up a leg injury and had to retire from his Monte Carlo Masters third-round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier this month.

The Norwegian then stepped up his comeback under the guidance of 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal.

“I'm happy ⁠to say I'm fully ‌recovered,” Ruud said in Madrid.

“I was a bit worried at first, I thought Madrid would be tough. But I've had good days of recovery. I spent a week in Mallorca, training at Rafa's academy and working on fitness off the ⁠court. I'm really pleased to be here, ready to compete again.”

 

Ruud said he drew inspiration from the now-retired Nadal’s drive and resilience throughout an illustrious career that ended in 2024.

“If there's one thing you can learn from him, it's determination,” Ruud added.

“He never gave up, and he was able to win many matches without being at his best because he was so well prepared physically and mentally.”

"Me ha animado a seguir y dar lo mejor de mí". 👍🏻👍🏻😃

Tras recibir consejos de Nadal, @CasperRuud98 llega motivado como vigente campeón del #MMOPEN.https://t.co/l25uSBQhfV pic.twitter.com/AKi2HDGzjv

— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) April 22, 2026

“There are so many things you can learn from Rafa. This time, we didn't spend much time together on ‌court. He encouraged me to keep going and told me I have plenty to fight for ‌in the coming weeks,” he added.

Ruud will open his Madrid campaign in the second round against either Jaume Munar or Alexander Shevchenko.

 

The two-time French Open finalist is targeting a deep run in the lead-up to Roland Garros, which starts May 24.