In an interview, Casper Ruud talks about the lessons learned from his three Grand Slam finals, his family and his fashion style.
Mr. Ruud, the tennis year 2026 has begun. If you look back at the 2026 season at the end of the year, what sporting result would you be satisfied with?
I have learned to be careful with specific goals. For me, a good season is when I stay healthy, feel competitive in the biggest tournaments and know that I have done my daily job properly. If that leads to good placings in the Grand Slam tournaments and a fight for the biggest titles, then I would be very happy.
You will be a father this year. How will this affect your career?
It will change my life more than my career, and that’s a good thing. Tennis is still very important to me, but becoming a father puts everything into perspective in a deeper way. I believe it can make me calmer and more balanced both on and off the court.
You are a family man. Your father Christian has been your coach since you were a child. You have a close relationship with your two sisters. Unlike many other top players, you don’t live in Monaco or Dubai, but continue to live in Norway, even though the taxes there are extremely high. What do your home and family mean to you?
You are my foundation. Having my family nearby, living in Norway, staying connected to my homeland – that gives me stability. Tennis can be very intense and lonely at times, so I recharge at home. That is more valuable to me than any tax benefit.
What do you think is more difficult for you: winning a Grand Slam title or becoming Norway’s Sportsman of the Year, given the great competition from track and field athletes (Karsten Warholm, Jakob Ingebrigsten), footballers (Erling Haaland, Martin Odegaard), golfers (Viktor Hovland) and winter sports enthusiasts?
Winning a Grand Slam is the greatest thing for me. That was my childhood dream. In Norway, sports such as football and cross-country skiing are very popular, while tennis is still a relatively small sport. That’s what makes Årets idrettsnavn (that’s the name of the election for Norway’s athlete of the year; Anm. d. Red.) also an extremely hotly contested title. When you compete against athletes like Warholm, Ingebrigtsen, Haaland or Hovland, you realize how exceptional you have to be to stand out from them. But for me personally, winning a Grand Slam would mean the most.
You have played and lost in three Grand Slam finals, and you were also just one win away from becoming world No. 1 at the 2022 US Open. What have you learned most from your three Grand Slam finals?
That the margins at this level are incredibly low. I learned that you need patience, faith and acceptance all at the same time. Those final defeats hurt, but they also showed me that I belonged there and that’s important for my confidence going forward.
Casper Ruud lost three Grand Slam finals within twelve months: at the 2022 French Open (against Rafael Nadal), at the 2022 US Open (against Carlos Alcaraz) and at the 2023 French Open (against Novak Djokovic).Image: Imago
Dominic Thiem once said in an interview that a Grand Slam title would make him happier forever and change his life. But that wasn’t the case for him after winning the 2020 US Open title. He said that was an illusion. What do you think about that? And do you ever think about what would have happened if you had won a Grand Slam tournament and become number 1?
I agree with him. A Grand Slam title would be a great moment, but it wouldn’t solve all problems or guarantee lasting happiness. I learned that fulfillment comes more from the process, the people around you and personal development than from a single trophy.
Last year you spoke openly about mental health issues and how you successfully sought help. What mental routines help you the most before important games?
Breathing exercises, focusing on simple signals and reminding myself that pressure is a privilege. I also try to accept my nervousness instead of fighting it. Through professional help, I learned that mental strength is something you can train, just like your forehand.
You played against the “Big Three” at the Grand Slams. Is it different playing against Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner than against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer?
Because of their history, the “Big Three” had an almost intimidating aura. Carlos and Jannik bring something different: incredible intensity, speed and fearlessness. The game has evolved and you have to be prepared for a very physical and fast style.
Many players, including Alexander Zverev, repeatedly criticize that the season is too long. What is your opinion on this?
I understand the criticism. The season is very demanding, especially mentally. But I also think that we need to find solutions that protect the health of players without depriving them of opportunities, especially those in the lower ranks.
What do you think would be the ideal structure for a tennis season?
Clearer breaks, a slightly shorter calendar and perhaps more flexibility for mandatory events. Recovery time should be viewed as a performance enhancer, not a luxury.
They have taken part in the Laver Cup five times. What do you like about this tournament?
The team atmosphere. Tennis is usually a very individual sport, so being part of a team with top players, exchanging ideas and supporting each other is refreshing and motivating.
You are the global brand ambassador for the fashion company Mango Man. What makes good clothing style for you?
Comfort, simplicity and confidence. If you feel comfortable in your clothes, it shows. I prefer clean lines and timeless pieces to overly flashy models.
Casper Ruud has been Mango Man’s brand ambassador since September 2025.Image: Mango
What message do you want to convey with your style?
Professional, calm and authentic. I want my style to reflect who I am and not distract from it.
Who is the most stylish player on the ATP Tour?
Roger Federer has always caught my eye. It always looks fresh, well-groomed and classic, very timeless. There are also many players on today’s tour who express their style in different ways, but I really appreciate this classic elegance.
Many players have a lucky charm. Alexander Zverev, for example, plays with gold chains. How does it look for you? Do you have a lucky charm?
I wouldn’t call it a good luck charm, but routines are important to me. Familiarity gives me peace of mind, be it in preparation or in what I do before I step on the pitch.
Which tennis term best describes your life off the court?
Maybe “balance.”
What’s the next best thing you can do besides playing tennis?
I really enjoy playing golf. It clears my head and challenges me in a completely different way.
Imagine having to play a tennis match against your 10-year-old self. How many points would you give him?
Maybe two or three. Enough to keep him motivated, but not enough to make him overconfident.
