40 Facts About Casper Ruud

Early Life and Family Background

Casper Ruud's journey in tennis began early, influenced by his family's rich tennis heritage.

1. Casper Ruud started playing tennis at a very young age. His earliest memory involving tennis is when his father, Christian Ruud, would take him to a mini court in their backyard. This early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for his future success.

2. Tennis runs in Casper Ruud’s blood. His father, Christian Ruud, was a professional tennis player who reached a career-high ranking of No. 39 in 1995. Christian retired in 2001 and went on to coach his son, providing invaluable guidance and support throughout his career.

3. Casper Ruud is also the grandson of legendary Norwegian player Hallvard Ruud. This rich tennis heritage has undoubtedly influenced his passion and dedication to the sport.

Junior Career and Early Achievements

Before making his mark in the professional circuit, Ruud had a highly successful junior career.

4. Casper Ruud had a highly successful junior career. He reached the number one junior ranking in the world in 2016, winning prestigious titles like the Junior French Open and Junior Australian Open.

5. One of Casper Ruud’s standout qualities is his exceptional performance on clay courts. His playing style and technique make him a formidable opponent on this surface, earning him the nickname “The Clay Prince”.

Professional Milestones

Ruud's transition to the professional circuit was marked by significant achievements and milestones.

6. In February 2020, Casper Ruud clinched his first ATP title at the Argentina Open. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and served as a testament to his growing potential and determination.

7. Ruud has achieved several career-high rankings throughout his career. He reached a career-high singles ranking of world No. 2 on September 12, 2022, making him the highest-ranked Norwegian in history.

8. At the age of 24, Casper Ruud is already a two-time Grand Slam finalist. His impressive performances at the French Open and US Open have cemented his status as one of the top players in the world.

Awards and Recognition

Ruud's sportsmanship and professionalism have earned him numerous accolades.

9. In 2022, Casper Ruud was awarded the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes fair play, professionalism, and integrity on and off the court. This award is a testament to his calm and respectful demeanor on the court.

10. Casper Ruud became part of the Norwegian Davis Cup team in 2015. Along with countryman Viktor Durasovic, he helped promote Norway from Group Three Europe Zone to Group Two Europe/Africa Zone.

Playing Style and Strengths

Ruud's playing style and strengths make him a formidable opponent on the court.

11. Casper Ruud is primarily an offensive baseliner who hits with heavy topspin. His forehand is his strongest weapon, particularly on clay courts, while his backhand is consistent but less powerful.

12. Ruud possesses a powerful serve that can reach up to 193 km/h (120 mph). He often utilizes it to earn more free points, frequently using a one-two punch.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond tennis, Ruud has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

13. Casper Ruud lives together with his girlfriend, Maria Galligani, who holds a master’s degree in psychology. This stable relationship provides him with the support and confidence needed to excel in his career.

14. Casper Ruud’s sister, Charlotte, is also a talented tennis player. She has played at the Rafa Nadal Academy and is certainly one to watch in the future.

15. Casper Ruud’s brother, Birk, is a freestyle skier specializing in halfpipe and slopestyle. He won gold in the Men's Freeski Big Air event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and continues to dominate his sport.

16. Casper Ruud records a monthly podcast for Eurosport called Ruud Talk, where he candidly discusses his career and the tennis world. He also shares nuggets about his family and home life, including his dog Bajas.

17. One of Casper Ruud’s surprising celebrity fans is country music star Shania Twain. The tennis player’s family met Twain through mutual friends, and she has taken a keen interest in his career. She even tweeted a photo of the pair holding his trophy after he won the Swiss Open Gstaad in July 2022.

Relationships with Other Players

Ruud has formed meaningful relationships with other top players, including his idol Rafael Nadal.

18. Rafael Nadal was Casper Ruud’s idol when he started playing tennis. However, the world No. 2 can now more accurately be described as his friend as well as his rival. Ruud has trained at Nadal’s tennis academy since 2018 and the pair recently traveled around South America together on an exhibition tour.

19. During their exhibition tour, Casper Ruud described Rafael Nadal as “really fun to be around.” He noted that Nadal enjoys having fun and likes to dance and enjoy a good glass of wine for dinner.

20. Casper Ruud has trained at Rafael Nadal’s tennis academy since 2018. This training has significantly contributed to his improvement and has helped him develop a deeper understanding of the game.

Success on Clay Courts

Ruud's prowess on clay courts has earned him numerous titles and accolades.

21. Casper Ruud has found his highest success on clay courts, winning 11 out of his 12 titles on this surface. His aggressive baseline game and powerful forehand make him a formidable opponent on clay.

22. Casper Ruud has achieved several career milestones, including reaching the first ATP Tour final in 2020 at the Argentina Open and winning his first ATP Tour title at the 2020 Swedish Open.

Grand Slam Performances

Ruud's performances in Grand Slam tournaments have been impressive and noteworthy.

23. Casper Ruud turned professional in 2015. He began his professional career by qualifying for his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open in 2018, becoming the first Norwegian to qualify for a Grand Slam main draw in 17 years.

24. In 2018, Casper Ruud qualified for his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open. He won in the first round against Quentin Halys but lost to Diego Schwartzman in the second round. He continued his good form by qualifying for the main draw of the French Open without losing a set.

25. At the French Open in 2018, Casper Ruud defeated Jordan Thompson in the first round but lost to Albert Ramos Viñolas in the second round. This performance marked a significant achievement for him as he was competing in his first French Open main draw.

26. In July 2018, Casper Ruud achieved the biggest win of his career by beating defending champion and former world No. 3, David Ferrer, in straight sets at the Swedish Open. This victory showcased his growing skills and confidence on the court.

27. Later that year, Casper Ruud qualified for the US Open for the first time, going through the qualifiers without dropping a set. However, he lost to Guido Pella in the first round, marking a slight setback in his journey.

Consistency and Rankings

Ruud's consistent performance has kept him among the top players in the world.

28. After struggling with finding consistency in his form after the summer, Casper Ruud finished off the 2018 season by reaching the semifinal of three consecutive Challenger Tournaments. This performance brought him close to his career-high ATP ranking going into a new season at No. 112.

29. From September 2021 to November 2023, Casper Ruud spent 113 consecutive weeks inside the ATP top 10. This streak is a testament to his consistent performance and dedication to improving his game.

30. In 2022, Casper Ruud finished runner-up at the ATP Finals. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his career, as he was competing against the best players in the world.

Recent Achievements

Ruud's recent achievements highlight his continued growth and success.

31. Casper Ruud has also finished runner-up at the French Open twice, in 2022 and 2023. His impressive performances at this prestigious tournament have cemented his status as one of the top players in the world.

32. In addition to his French Open runner-up finishes, Casper Ruud has also finished runner-up at the US Open in 2022. This achievement showcases his ability to perform under pressure and compete at the highest level.

33. In April 2023, Casper Ruud secured the biggest title of his career by defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas to win the Barcelona Open. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his position as one of the top players in the world.

Personal Interests and Hobbies

Ruud's interests extend beyond tennis, showcasing his diverse personality.

34. Casper Ruud comes from a tennis dynasty, with his father and grandfather both being professional tennis players. This rich tennis heritage has undoubtedly influenced his passion and dedication to the sport.

35. Like his father, Casper Ruud is also an avid and talented golfer. He even has a separate Instagram account for his golf adventures, showcasing his skills and love for the sport.

36. Casper Ruud attributes his success to a combination of determination and physical fitness. He believes that confidence is key to excelling in tennis and has worked tirelessly to build his self-assurance on the court.

37. Casper Ruud loves competing and hates losing. The thrill of being in battle gives him adrenaline and nerves, which invigorates him and drives him to perform at his best.

38. Casper Ruud is known for his fair play and sportsmanship. He believes in being well-mannered and not provoking other players, which has earned him the respect of his peers and fans alike.

39. Privately, Casper Ruud feels he has already secured a significant victory by finding his partner in life. He lives with his girlfriend, Maria Galligani, and feels that this relationship is a great achievement, even though they are not yet married or have children.

40. Professionally, Casper Ruud has plenty of ambitions for his future. His ultimate goal is to win a Grand Slam, but he also wants to be remembered as a fair player who was well-mannered and didn’t provoke other players.

Casper Ruud: A Rising Tennis Star

Casper Ruud's journey from a tennis-loving kid in Oslo to a top-ranked player is nothing short of inspiring. With his father and grandfather's legacies guiding him, Ruud has carved out his own path in the tennis world. His prowess on clay courts, highlighted by his nickname "The Clay Prince," and his impressive performances in Grand Slam finals showcase his talent and determination. Beyond his on-court achievements, Ruud's sportsmanship and fair play have earned him respect from fans and peers alike. Living with his girlfriend Maria Galligani and maintaining close family ties, Ruud balances his personal and professional life with grace. As he continues to aim for Grand Slam victories, his dedication and passion for tennis remain unwavering. Casper Ruud is not just a tennis player; he's a testament to hard work, family support, and the pursuit of excellence.