Iga Świątek and Casper Ruud just made tennis fans everywhere smile with four simple words. After their mixed doubles run at the 2025 US Open, Świątek playfully referred to herself and her partner as “Rafael Nadal’s kids.” The connection runs deep – the Polish star has long admired the Spanish legend, while Ruud spent his teenage years training at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca.
Before their New York campaign, both players competed at the 2025 Cincinnati Open. Ruud’s tournament ended early with a second-round loss to Arthur Rinderknech, but Świątek dominated the event. She captured the title by defeating Jasmine Paolini in the final, adding her 11th WTA 1000 career title to an already impressive collection.
When did Iga Świątek Call Herself and Casper Ruud “Rafa’s Kids”?
Świątek and Ruud entered the mixed doubles event as the third seeds, bringing high expectations to their partnership. Their campaign began with a convincing victory over the American duo of Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe in the first round, winning 4-1, 4-2.
The quarterfinals brought another straight-sets victory as they overcame Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti with an identical 4-1, 4-2 scoreline. However, their semifinal match against top seeds Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper tested their resolve. After dropping the first set 3-5, they bounced back to win the second 5-3, then clinched the deciding super tiebreak 10-8.
The final proved to be their ultimate challenge. Facing defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, Świątek and Ruud fell short despite a valiant effort. They lost the first set 3-6, rallied to take the second 7-5, but couldn’t maintain their momentum in the decisive super tiebreak, falling 6-10.
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During the post-match press conference following their runner-up finish, Ruud praised Świątek’s character and explained what made their partnership work so well. He described the Polish star as “humble” and noted their natural compatibility on court.
“Iga and I have both played mixed doubles in United Cup in the past. We have some experience, but not together. I think we had good chemistry. We’re similar people. We’re easygoing. Iga is humble,” Ruud said.
That’s when Świątek delivered the moment that captured everyone’s attention. Responding to Ruud’s comments about their similarities, the former World No. 1 offered her playful explanation for their instant connection.
“Rafa’s kids,” Świątek chimed in.
Ruud immediately understood the reference and ran with it, acknowledging their shared tennis DNA from training under Nadal’s influence.
“I guess that’s what some say. Easy to get along, click and find some good chemistry,” Ruud added.
Both players will now shift their focus to singles competition at the 2025 US Open, which runs from August 24 to September 7 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
What Are Świątek and Ruud’s Best Individual US Open Results?
Both players achieved their career-best US Open performances in 2022, with Świątek capturing her first New York Major title while Ruud reached his second Grand Slam final.
Świątek entered that tournament as the top seed and navigated through the draw with commanding performances. She opened with a dominant 6-3, 6-0 victory over Jasmine Paolini, then defeated Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2 in the second round. The Polish star’s path continued with wins over Lauren Davis (6-3, 6-4) and Jule Niemeier (2-6, 6-4, 6-0) to reach the quarterfinals.
The business end of the tournament brought tougher challenges. Świątek overcame eighth seed Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6(4) in the quarterfinals, then secured her place in the final with a hard-fought 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory over sixth seed Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals.
The championship match saw Świątek face fifth seed Ons Jabeur, and the Polish star delivered when it mattered most. She claimed the title with a 6-2, 7-6(5) victory, capturing her first US Open crown and third Grand Slam title overall.
Meanwhile, Ruud’s journey to his second Grand Slam final showcased his fighting spirit throughout the tournament. Seeded fifth, the Norwegian opened with a straight-sets victory over Kyle Edmund (6-3, 7-5, 6-2), then battled past Tim van Rijthoven in four sets (6-7(4), 6-4, 6-4, 6-4).
The third round brought a marathon five-set battle against 29th seed Tommy Paul, which Ruud won 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 7-6(2), 5-7, 6-0. He followed that grueling match with a more comfortable victory over lucky loser Corentin Moutet, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-2 in the fourth round.
Ruud’s quarterfinal performance against Matteo Berrettini proved to be one of his most convincing, as he won in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, 7-6(4). The semifinals brought another four-set victory as he overcame 27th seed Karen Khachanov 7-6(5), 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to reach his second major final.
Although Ruud ultimately fell to third seed Carlos Alcaraz in the championship match with a score of 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(1), 6-3, reaching the final marked a breakthrough moment in his career. The experience established him as a legitimate Grand Slam contender and set the stage for future success at the highest level.
