Norway's Casper Ruud saw first-hand on Sunday what it's like to face his "idol" Rafael Nadal, and that too at the grandest possible stage - the French Open final.
Nadal cruised past the youngster in straight sets in the French Open 2022 final to lift his record extending 22nd Grand Slam title.
Ruud, who has trained at the Spanish ace's academy, hailed Nadal as a "true champion" but also made a hilarious remark that left the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier in splits. "You are a true champion.
This is the first time I have faced you so now I know what it's like to be the victim!" Ruud said after the match, drawing applause and laughter. "There will be many others," he went on to say. "You have taken me into your academy with open arms and you are a true inspiration to me.