The number of tennis players idolizing Federer and Nadal is uncountable. Tsitsipas, who is waiting to test his mettle against Casper Ruud, for the second time this year has always been an ardent Federer fan. While he was still honing his tennis skills during his teenage years, Tsitsipas’ love for the Swiss maestro remained steadfast. On the other hand, Tsitsipas’s opponent for the Barcelona Open finals revealed that Spanish legend Rafael Nadal was his inspiration. While the Federer-Nadal rivalry entertained the fraternity for nearly two decades, fans are waiting to see Tsitsipas and Ruud run it back again on the clay court.

A reliable tennis source recently shared a clip on their X (formerly Twitter) profile. In this clip, fans spotted young Stefanos Tsitsipas and Casper Ruud naming their favorite tennis icons. safe to say, they were quick to pick their favorites. Given that these two ATP stars are facing off against each other at the Barcelona Open finals, their old video talking about  Federer and Nadal stormed the internet.

Tsitsipas previously showed his great admiration for Federer as he approached the Swiss tennis maestro during the Laver Cup tournament  – “It would mean the world to me if I could have one of your racquets, I’ve been following you since I was three years old. If I could have a racquet to frame and put in my house, to share that with you is extremely special to me. I hope you don’t mind giving me that piece of your identity.”

On the other hand, Ruud was defeated by Nadal at the French Open 2022. Post-match,  Ruud paid respect to his inspiration– “The first thing, the most important thing, is to congratulate Rafa. It’s the 14th time, your 22nd. We all know what a champion you are. Today I got to feel what it is to play you in a final. I’m not the first victim, there have been many before. We all hope you will continue for some time….Hopefully next year I can learn some French, and I will try. I can’t wait to come back. Thank you and merçi.”

Young Tsitsipas and Ruud’s clip spread through social media platforms like wildfire with fans being delighted by these two youngsters. These two players will definitely do wonders in the future if they keep on following in the footsteps of the greats.

On another note, playing against Ruud has always been tough and Tsitsipas expressed that after defeating the Norwegian ATP star in the Monte Carlo Masters this season.

Stefanos Tsitsipas felt “proud” of himself after winning against Casper Ruud at the Monte Carlo Masters

Post-match, Tsitsipas expressed his elation following his victory against a tough competitor like Casper Ruud. Tsitsipas said– “I’m very proud of myself today. I had been waiting for a moment like this for a long time, It has been very difficult, so to be back on the podium, winning tournaments, just feels amazing, The third time is even more special than the first or second time. This is an unbelievable win for me. Capturing that win today was nerve-wracking, I really wanted this trinity.”

This is the second time Tsitsipas and Ruud are facing off against each other this season at the Barcelona Open. Tsitsipas previously defeated the Norwegian player to bag the Monte Carlo Masters title. The Greek tennis player defeated Ruud in straight sets. Now, that they will be playing against each other again, fans are expecting a nerve-wracking final between them.

Trending

‘Do You See How Big This Area Is?’ – Intimidating Serena Williams Reveals Serious Moment With Husband Alexis Ohanian on Their First Meeting in Italy

May 02, 2024 08:39 PM EDT

Coco Gauff Brushing Aside Madrid Open Heart-Break With ‘Sexy’ Dinner Date Impresses Boyfriend Jalen Sera and Danielle Collins

May 02, 2024 05:57 AM EDT

Despite Stressful Business Duties, Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Can’t Help but Think About Pampering Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 11:03 AM EDT

‘Coco Come Collect Your Coach’ – Fans Brutally Troll Brad Gilbert as He Naively Falls for Carlos Alcaraz Involved Misinformation

May 01, 2024 12:05 PM EDT

Madrid Open 2024: Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Jiri Lehecka; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

May 03, 2024 06:35 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Will history repeat itself with Tsitsipas winning his second clay-court ATP title? Or will Ruud turn the tide and actually win in his fourth final of the season? Let us know in the comment section below.