Casper Ruud talks Roland Garros chances after Rafael Nadal’s retirement: “Statistically speaking, it should be easier”

Casper Ruud spoke about his chances of winning Roland Garros following Rafael Nadal’s retirement. The Spanish legend won an astonishing 14 titles at the French Open – the most by any player at a single Grand Slam – and holds a near-perfect 112–4 record (97%) at the tournament.

Nadal won his 14th Roland Garros title in 2022 (also the last major of his career), defeating Ruud in the final with a dominant 6–3, 6–3, 6–0 scoreline. That was the Norwegian’s first major final out of the three he’s reached so far, although he’s still chasing his maiden Grand Slam title.

Ruud has 12 career titles, 11 of them on clay, including his biggest win last year at the ATP 500 Barcelona Open – where he is now the defending champion. This week, he has already scored wins over Daniel Elahi Galán and Hamad Medjedovic to reach the quarterfinals.

In an interview with Marca, the former world No. 2 shared his thoughts on possibly lifting the Roland Garros trophy. With two finals and one semifinal in the past three editions (17–3 record since 2022), Ruud is considered one of the favourites this year. But does Nadal’s absence make his path easier?

"Yes and no. I don’t know what it feels like to win Roland Garros, but I’ve played two finals and I know it’s going to be tough whether Rafa is there or not," said the Norwegian. "Obviously, statistically speaking, it should be easier to win in Paris without Rafa, because he won it 14 times. We all lost to him at some point. Alcaraz won it last year and could win it again. Zverev and Tsitsipas have been finalists, Sinner will be back... There are many who can win, and I hope to be one of them."

Ruud will face Holger Rune in the Barcelona Open quarterfinals on Saturday as he looks to defend his title and stay inside the top 10. However, Ruud himself admits he’s not obsessed with rankings: "It’s better not to think about it too much. I know rankings go up and down.

"I’ve been in the top 10 for most of the last three years. I know if I don’t win in Barcelona, I’ll drop out of the top 10. But I still have chances in Madrid or Rome. I’m not stressed about the ranking — if I fall out of the top 10, my life won’t change."