Google News Casper Ruud: Rafael Nadal is a physical beast, Novak Djokovic can play long too
by DZEVAD MESIC | VIEW 3175
Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud called Rafael Nadal "beast" physically and added Novak Djokovic is also someone who is more than capable of grinding out there for five hours. Throughout his career, Nadal has always been exceptionally prepared.
Nadal's game style requires an outstanding fitness level and he has always been extra focused on his physical preparation. On the other side, Djokovic is also someone who has always been known as someone eceptionally prepared.
"There are some players who will always impress you more than others. Rafa, of course, is a physical beast. Novak in his own way, he's slimmer maybe than what Rafa is, but he's there for 5-6 hours if he needs to," Ruud told Eurosport, per Sportskeeda.
Ruud: Daniil Medvedev is also prepared well
Medvedev doesn't look like a physically dominant players but earlier this year he went toe-to-toe versus Nadal in a thriller Australian open final. The match lasted over five hours and it was Nadal who in the end won in five sets.
"He (Medvedev) doesn't look like the strongest guy but he played up to 6 hours with Rafa at the Australian Open and I don't think the level dropped towards the end. So it just shows that all of the guys are strong," Ruud added.
Many former tennis stars have stated that being well prepared is one of the keys to achieving success on the biggest scene. Ruud agrees with that sentiment. "We all know that you need to be in shape to be performing at this level.
All the guys in the top-100, top-500 are great athletes in my eyes. They work hard every day. I see a lot of players in the gym doing exercises all the time, before and after practices," Ruud said. Ruud considers clay as his favorite surface and he will be hoping to make his first strong Grand Slam result at the French Open.