Rafael Nadal will go face-to-face with Norwegian Casper Ruud on Sunday for the French Open title. Ruud will play his first-ever Grand Slam final while Nadal will play his 14th final at Court Phillipe-Chatrier.

Despite Nadal having a massive edge over the 23-year-old, there could be some cause for concern for the Spaniard. Rudd, who is a graduate of the Rafael Nadal Academy, will have some tricks up his sleeve.

Toni Nadal has his say on Sunday’s final

Nadal’s uncle and former coach Toni Nadal has been ever-present during the Spaniard’s memorable victories in the past. However, the famed tennis academy’s director believes that this final is a ‘double happiness’ moment for him. He said in a video posted by Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar on Twitter, “I know it will be a difficult match for both of them, but if Rafael has to lose, better with Casper.”

“If Casper has to lose, better with Rafael because he already said he was his idol,” Toni said. “It’s double happiness that Rafael plays a new Roland Garros final and that his rival is Casper Ruud, another player who has trained here,” he added.

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While the Spaniard is aiming for a second consecutive Grand Slam in 2022, Ruud will be playing the most important match of his relatively young career in Paris.

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Casper Ruud’s rise on clay

The World No. 8 has been one of the most exciting talents on the ATP Tour in the last two seasons. Ruud has won 7 of his 8 titles on clay, winning 66 matches on the red surface.

However, he is yet to lift a trophy above the ATP 250 level, with victories in Argentina, Geneva and Gstaad among others. With Nadal boasting an incredible 111-3 record at the venue, the 23-year-old will have to be on his A-game from the start.

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With Ruud taking out the likes of Holger Rune and Marin Cilic during his run, he is one step away from winning the biggest title of his life. But, standing in his way is the “King of Clay” and a potential 14-time French Open champion.