Casper Ruud and Maria Galligani Tie the Knot in Private Ceremony on Mallorca

Top-ranked tennis player Casper Ruud married longtime partner Maria Galligani in a private ceremony on the Spanish island of Mallorca, according to multiple European sports media outlets. The event, confirmed by Ruud’s management team, took place on September 15, 2023, at a secluded villa on the island’s southern coast. The couple, who first met as teenagers in Norway, had previously dated during their formative years in the tennis circuit before reuniting in recent years.

The wedding was described as “intimate” by a spokesperson for Ruud’s management, with only close family and friends in attendance. Details about the ceremony, including the exact location and specific rituals, were not disclosed. Ruud, 25, is currently ranked No. 3 in the ATP Tour and has been a consistent presence in Grand Slam tournaments, while Galligani, 26, works in sports marketing and has been a visible figure at tennis events.

Reuters confirmed the marriage through a statement from Ruud’s agent, who said, “Casper and Maria are thrilled to have officially joined their lives together. They appreciate the support of their friends and family and ask for privacy as they begin this new chapter.” The statement did not address whether the couple plans to make the wedding public beyond their immediate circle.

News of the ceremony first surfaced in German outlet SportNews.bz, which reported that Ruud and Galligani exchanged vows during a weekend getaway to Mallorca. Similar accounts appeared in BUNTE.de and GALA.de, though none provided direct quotes from the couple. The tennisnet.com website noted that the wedding occurred just days after Ruud’s recent ATP Tour commitment, suggesting the event was planned well in advance.

While the couple has not publicly discussed their relationship in detail, they have been seen together at high-profile tennis events, including the 2023 French Open and the US Open. Their connection was first reported by GMX in 2021, which described them as “a long-distance love story that ultimately led to a permanent union.”

The wedding comes at a pivotal time for Ruud, who is preparing for the 2023 Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. His next major tournament is the 2023 Shanghai Masters, scheduled for October 2. A spokesperson for the ATP Tour confirmed that Ruud will compete in the event, stating, “Casper is focused on his professional goals and will participate as planned.”

For Galligani, the marriage marks a shift from her previous career in sports management to a more private life. She has worked with several tennis organizations, including the International Tennis Federation (ITF), and previously served as a marketing consultant for the ATP Tour. A source close to Galligani told SportNews.bz that she plans to continue her work in the industry but is prioritizing her personal life in the coming years.

Despite the privacy surrounding the ceremony, the wedding has already sparked interest among tennis fans. Social media platforms saw a surge in posts featuring photos of Ruud and Galligani from past events, with many fans expressing congratulations. A poll on tennisnet.com showed that 78% of respondents supported the couple, while 22% questioned the timing of the marriage given Ruud’s demanding schedule.

Experts in sports psychology have noted that relationships between elite athletes often face unique challenges. Dr. Elena Martinez, a sports counselor at the University of Barcelona, told BUNTE.de, “Athletes like Casper must balance their professional ambitions with personal commitments. A supportive partner can be crucial, but it requires careful management of time and expectations