Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud reach Nordea Open semi-finals ...

Rafael Nadal and Casper Ruud, dubbed ‘Ruudal’ by fans, survived a dramatic quarter-final match on Wednesday to survive in the doubles action at the Nordea Open.

Nadal and Ruud beat Theo Arribage and Roman Safiullin 6-4 3-6 12-10, surviving one match point to advance to the semi-finals in Bastad.

"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 enjoy it and the crowd was amazing, a full crowd in a doubles match, that's fantastic. Just enjoying every single day here."

This hard-fought win came just hours after Ruud had lost in singles action earlier that day.

"When you cannot win singles you have to try to win doubles," joked Ruud, who lost his opening singles match 6-3 6-3 to Thiago Monteiro on Wednesday. "It was not the best beginning of the day but a very nice way to finish the day for me.

"Winning alongside Rafa was a special doubles today. We saved a match point so a bit lucky, and we look forward to the next match."

The match was the Spaniard’s first singles action since an incredibly painful first-round exit in Paris at the French Open - Nadal’s beloved Grand Slam.

After beating second seeds Guido Andreozzi and Miguel Reyes-Varela 6-1 6-4 in the first round, 'Ruudal' may end up facing third-seeded and formidable duo Orland Luz and Rafael Matos in the semis.

When asked about their lovable team nickname, Nadal approved: "I have Fedal, and now Ruudal... so both!" he said with a laugh. 

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