While Rafael Nadal is a legend in singles tennis, his trophy cabinet also boasts some impressive doubles titles. But who has been there to volley and smash alongside the king of clay? Let’s net ourselves a rundown of Nadal’s six doubles champions before Casper Ruud aims to add his name to the list.
1. Marc Lopez (9 titles): Fellow Spaniard Lopez has been Nadal’s most frequent partner, and their success speaks for itself. They’ve conquered Roland Garros (2010, 2013) and captured Masters titles in Monte Carlo and Rome (multiple years).
2. Feliciano Lopez (4 titles): Another Lopez, Feliciano has enjoyed doubles glory with Nadal at the Barcelona Open (2 times) and the Hamburg Open.
3. David Ferrer (2 titles): The fiery competitor Ferrer teamed up with Nadal to win the Valencia Open in 2004 and 2005.
4. Tommy Robredo (1 title): Robredo gets his name on the list for their Barcelona Open victory in 2008.
5. Sebastian Prieto (1 title): Nadal ventured outside Spain to win the Acapulco tournament in 2005 with Argentinian Prieto.
6. Casper Ruud (1 title, aiming for more): The young Norwegian sensation recently joined forces with Nadal to claim the Bastad doubles title in July 2024. This win has Ruud setting his sights on a bigger prize: a Top 7 ranking in the ATP rankings.
With a win under their belts, the chemistry between Nadal and Ruud is undeniable. Can they add more titles to this new partnership? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: Nadal has a knack for picking successful doubles partners. The pressure is on for Ruud, but with Nadal by his side, anything is possible.
Be the first to comment