WATCH: Rafael Nadal's hilarious reaction to new nickname 'Ruudal' after doubles victory

In a delightful twist during the Nordea Open in Bastad, Rafael Nadal and his new doubles partner, Casper Ruud, secured a thrilling victory against Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin. The match ended with the Spanish-Norwegian pair triumphing in a nail-biting 6-4, 3-6, 12-10 finish. The victory was not just a testament to their skill but also introduced a new nickname for the duo: "Ruudal."

Following the match, Nadal was all smiles when asked about his ongoing partnership with Ruud and the newly coined pet name. The nickname "Ruudal" drew a hearty laugh from the 22-time Grand Slam champion, who happily embraced it.

Here is the video:

Rafa Nadal on his new nickname with Casper Ruud



“I have Fedal… and now Ruudal” 😂



Iconic.



pic.twitter.com/hyiXTmun6T

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 17, 2024

"I have 'Fedal,' and now 'Ruudal'... so both!" Nadal quipped, referencing the famous nickname for his previous doubles team with Roger Federer. The nostalgia and joy were palpable as Nadal reminisced about his times with Federer while welcoming this new chapter with Ruud.

A high-octane game for Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud

The match itself was a rollercoaster, showcasing the high-calibre tennis fans have come to expect from Rafael Nadal. The pair saved a match point at 9-10 in the decisive Match Tie-break, rallying to win three consecutive points. 

Nadal’s decisive backhand volley winner sealed the deal, capping off an intense and electrifying contest that left the crowd in awe. The packed stadium for a doubles match underscored the excitement and high expectations surrounding the Nadal-Ruud pairing.

Reflecting on the match, Nadal shared his thoughts on the emotional and enjoyable experience. "I think we had some fun," Nadal said. "It has been an emotional match at the end, a good level of tennis against two good players. We enjoyed it, and the crowd was amazing, a full crowd in a doubles match, that's fantastic. Just enjoying every single day here."

Looking ahead, "Ruudal" is set to face a formidable challenge in the semifinals against third-seeded Brazilians Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos. The tennis world is eager to see if Nadal and Ruud can continue their impressive run and further cement their budding partnership.