ATP Tour

'Rafa's kids' Ruud & Swiatek reflect on US Open run

Casper Ruud and Iga Swiatek’s run in the US Open mixed doubles event ended one step short of the trophy, but they couldn’t let the moment pass without a small tribute to the player who helped shape them.

Following their defeat to defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in the final, Ruud and Swiatek were asked about their chemistry on the court. The answer quickly turned into a nod to the values and personality traits they both feel they have learned from Rafael Nadal.

“Iga and I have both played mixed doubles in the United Cup in the past. We have some experience, but not together,” Ruud said. “I think we had good chemistry. We're similar people. We're easygoing. Iga is humble.”

Swiatek smiled and interrupted: “Rafa’s kids.”

“I guess that's what some say. Easy to get along, click and find some good chemistry,” Ruud added.

Both players have long been open about their admiration for Nadal, the former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings and 22-time major champion. Ruud trained extensively at the Spaniard’s academy in Mallorca as a teenager, learning to mirror his intensity and fighting spirit.

Swiatek has often spoken of Nadal as her role model, admiring not only his competitiveness but also his humility, something she has tried to emulate in her own career. In many ways, Ruud and Swiatek’s bond as partners in New York came from that shared foundation.

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Despite representing the only singles stars left in the field, the third seeds pushed Errani and Vavassori to a tight three-set final. Yet it was the seasoned Italian doubles players who proved just too sharp in the crucial moments.

Errani’s choice of precision over power on serve — often landing 70 mph first serves — caused trouble throughout the tournament, and Ruud was asked about her unique style.

“It's a different look, yes. You get a little bit more used to it, but it's just a mix of her coming at a different pace and him moving incredibly well. They know each other well. They play with each other every Slam. They make a good fit,” Ruud responded.

“It's been kind of fun and frustrating seeing that we shank forehand returns when we're not supposed to. It's also [credit] to Andrea for moving so quickly and well at the net.”

Ruud and Swiatek will now shift their attention to the singles events, which commence Sunday. Ruud, the 2022 US Open finalist, enters the tournament with a 28-11 tour-level record in 2025, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index.

Swiatek, the 2022 US Open champion, arrives fresh from her Cincinnati title run. Even so, the experience of their joint run in mixed doubles left an impression.

“It was amazing having an opportunity to play mixed doubles. It's always fun, but especially with Casper. I think we made a great team,” said Swiatek.

Ruud added: “It's been an honor and really fun to share the court with Iga and other players.”