Tennis

Casper Ruud: A Style Icon on and Off the CourtCasper Ruud, the former world No. 2 tennis player, has become a fashion icon both on and off the court. His recent appointment as a Dior Ambassador has solidified his status as a style star.Ruud joins an elite group of athletes, including French hurdler Sasha Zhoya, Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka Long, Paralympic swimmer Alex Portal, and rower Matteo Sartori, in Dior's star-studded campaign for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.Ruud's fashion credentials extend beyond his Dior ambassadorship. He has graced the covers of Vogue Scandinavia and GQ, and has caught the attention of Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Many speculate that Wintour sees Ruud as a potential successor to Roger Federer, who is known for his impeccable style.On the court, Ruud has established himself as a formidable force. He has reached the semifinals of Roland Garros three consecutive times, including two appearances in the final. His impressive performances have earned him a spot among the medal contenders for the men's singles event at the upcoming Olympics.Ruud's ability to balance his athletic and fashion pursuits is a testament to his versatility and dedication. He is a true ambassador for the sport of tennis and a role model for aspiring athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike.

Casper Ruud, the former world No. 2, has historically struggled on grass courts, with a career record of 4-7 on the surface. However, the Norwegian is determined to make a breakthrough at Wimbledon this year, the only major where he has yet to reach the second week.Ruud's technique, anchored by a heavy topspin forehand, is not typically conducive to grass, but he believes his more aggressive mindset could make the difference this time. He has amassed an impressive 39-10 record through the first six months of 2024, playing with a newfound attacking style."I think I have played maybe 50 matches already the first five months of the year," Ruud said. "It's going to be nice with a few weeks off and then I'm looking forward to getting on the grass."Ruud's preparation for Wimbledon will include a break from tennis to focus on golf, a sport he enjoys more than tennis on grass. He also plans to attend a Megan Thee Stallion concert in London during the tournament.Despite his struggles on grass, Ruud is confident in his ability to succeed on the surface. "I think it's a very fun surface, and I have been joking a little bit about certain things before, but I think it's a very fun surface to play on because it brings something completely different," he said. "It challenges me in a way that I think is good for my game in a way to be challenged."Ruud's determination to conquer grass is evident in his willingness to embrace the challenges it presents. He is eager to prove that he can succeed on any surface, and Wimbledon provides the perfect opportunity to do so.

Seventh seed Casper Ruud has reached the Roland Garros quarterfinals for the third consecutive year, setting up a highly anticipated rematch with world No. 1 Novak Djokovic.Ruud overcame a spirited challenge from 12th-seeded Taylor Fritz, prevailing 7-6 (6), 3-6, 6-4, 6-2. The Norwegian saved a set point in the opening tie-break and rallied from a break down in the third set to secure the victory."It was a tough match," Ruud said. "I had to stay focused and fight for every point. I'm happy to have come through in the end."Ruud's victory sets up a tantalizing clash with Djokovic, who has won the French Open twice in the past three years. The pair last met in the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters in April, where Ruud emerged victorious.However, Djokovic has a formidable record at Roland Garros, having won the tournament 24 times. He has also shown resilience in this year's edition, battling back from two sets down in the second round against Francisco Cerundolo.Despite Djokovic's recent physical struggles, Ruud is not taking anything for granted."I don't expect him to surrender at all," Ruud said. "I have to expect him to be fresh, ready, and that it's going to be a tough match."Ruud has also faced challenges en route to the quarterfinals, dropping four sets in the process. He was pushed to five sets by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round and came through in four against Tomas Martin Etcheverry."I think, honestly, I ended up in a pretty tough section of the draw," Ruud said. "But I've been able to overcome some good players."Ruud's success at Roland Garros is a testament to his exceptional clay-court skills. He has won eight titles on the surface, including the Geneva Open earlier this year.The Norwegian is confident in his ability to challenge Djokovic, but he knows it will be a daunting task."I'm going to try to learn from last year's final," Ruud said. "I got an early break in the first set, but I lost it on the tiebreak. It was a long, tough, physical set. I'm going to try to be better prepared this time."

Under the dazzling lights of Paris, Scandinavian duo Holger Rune and Casper Ruud emerged victorious from thrilling five-set battles to advance to the third round of Roland Garros.Rune, a two-time quarterfinalist, overcame a two-set deficit and rallied from 0-5 down in the fifth-set tiebreaker to defeat Flavio Cobolli. The Italian clay-courter had fought back to force a decider, but Rune's resilience and determination proved too much.Meanwhile, Ruud, a two-time finalist on the terre battue, avenged his 2021 defeat to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. The Spaniard had pushed Ruud to the limit in their previous encounter, but this time the Norwegian prevailed in a grueling four-hour and eight-minute battle.Both matches were played late due to persistent rain delays. Rune and Cobolli battled on Court 14, while Ruud and Davidovich Fokina took shelter under the Court Suzanne-Lenglen roof.Rune's victory was particularly impressive, as he had struggled for form in recent tournaments. However, he rediscovered his momentum in Paris, showcasing his trademark aggression and court coverage. He will now face lucky loser Jozef Kovalík, who also staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down.Ruud, on the other hand, has been in impressive form in 2024. He has reached the final of Monte Carlo and won his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona. His victory over Davidovich Fokina was a testament to his resilience and ability to perform under pressure. He will next face the winner of the match between Tomás Martín Etcheverry and Arthur Rinderknech.The third round of Roland Garros promises to be filled with more thrilling encounters as the tournament reaches its climax. Rune and Ruud will be among the favorites to reach the latter stages, but they will face stiff competition from a field that includes Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Casper Ruud, the former world No. 2, overcame a slow start to defeat Sebastian Ofner 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 at the Gonet Geneva Open on Wednesday. The victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with No. 5 seed Sebastian Baez.Ruud, who has been a contender for his first major title at this year's Roland Garros, had lost his last two matches after a strong start to the clay-court swing. However, he showed his resilience against Ofner, who had won his first set against a Top 10 player in 22 attempts.The Norwegian settled down after losing the first set and took control of the match, breaking Ofner three times in the second and third sets to secure the victory in just under two hours.Ruud's victory is a boost to his confidence ahead of Roland Garros, where he is considered a contender for the title. He will face Baez in the quarterfinals, a player he has a 2-0 head-to-head advantage against.Ofner, despite his defeat, showed his fighting spirit and ability to compete against top players. He will look to build on this performance in the upcoming tournaments.The Gonet Geneva Open is a key warm-up event for Roland Garros, and Ruud's victory is a reminder of his status as a contender for the French Open title.

In the realm of tennis, where rankings reign supreme, the terms "underrated" and "overlooked" often come into play. Two such players who fit this description are Marketa Vondrousova and Casper Ruud.Vondrousova, a 24-year-old Czech, possesses a unique and unpredictable style that has earned her a cult following among tennis enthusiasts. Her ability to absorb pace and redirect shots can drive opponents to distraction. Despite reaching the Wimbledon final last year, her accomplishments have not received the widespread recognition they deserve.Ruud, a 25-year-old Norwegian, is a master of consistency and defense. His disciplined game has seen him rise to the Top 10, but his achievements have often been overshadowed by more flamboyant players. However, his recent success on hard courts, including a US Open final appearance, has forced tennis pundits to take notice.Vondrousova's uneven record can be attributed to wrist injuries, while Ruud's lack of charisma may have contributed to his underappreciated status. Nevertheless, both players have proven their mettle on the court. Vondrousova's ability to make opponents play poorly and Ruud's relentless determination make them formidable contenders.As the French Open approaches, Vondrousova and Ruud are poised to make a statement. Vondrousova's crafty game is well-suited to the clay courts of Roland Garros, while Ruud's recent upgrades have made him a threat on any surface.While they may not receive the same level of attention as some of their more high-profile counterparts, Vondrousova and Ruud are players to watch. Their unique styles and unwavering determination make them compelling to watch and potential dark horses for the French Open title.

Casper Ruud's remarkable run continues as he becomes the first player to reach 30 match wins this year. The Norwegian sensation has been on a tear, notching up impressive victories against top-ranked opponents and claiming his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona.Ruud's breakthrough moment came in Monte Carlo, where he stunned world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinals. It was his first triumph over a Top 3 player and a significant milestone in his career.Building on that momentum, Ruud captured the Barcelona Open, his biggest title to date. The victory marked his first ATP 500 triumph, adding to his previous 10 titles at ATP 250 events.Ruud's dominance continued in Madrid, where he dispatched Miomir Kecmanovic in straight sets to become the first player, male or female, to win 30 matches this year. His impressive record stands at 30-7, placing him ahead of other top performers such as Jannik Sinner, Alex de Minaur, and Grigor Dimitrov.On the women's side, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek lead the pack with 27 and 26 wins, respectively.Ruud's exceptional form has propelled him into the spotlight, solidifying his status as one of the most promising players on the ATP Tour. His ability to defeat top-ranked opponents and claim major titles demonstrates his immense talent and determination.As the season progresses, Ruud will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with. His impressive start to the year has set the stage for even greater achievements in the months to come.

Casper Ruud, the former junior World No. 1, has finally broken through to win his first ATP 500 or Masters 1000 event. The Norwegian defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Barcelona Open final, a significant milestone in his career.Ruud's victory comes after a period of frustration, having reached three Grand Slam finals and peaking at World No. 2 without a major title. The Barcelona triumph marks a turning point, proving that he can compete with the elite and win big events.In the Barcelona final, Ruud displayed a more aggressive style, taking the initiative and dictating the pace. He had previously struggled against top-three players, but he overcame that mental barrier by staying calm and executing his game plan.Ruud's mental game has also benefited from overcoming a slump in 2023. After a successful 2022, he struggled for much of the year, but he has regained his confidence and belief.With 10 of his 11 career titles coming on clay, Ruud is eyeing the upcoming French Open as an opportunity to break the glass ceiling at the Majors. He has reached the final twice before, but he is determined to take the next step and win his first Grand Slam title.Ruud's recent success is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has overcome setbacks and mental challenges to reach the top of the game. As he continues to improve and gain experience, he has the potential to become one of the most dominant players in tennis.

Casper Ruud has finally broken through the barrier of major tournament victories, capturing his first ATP 500 title in Barcelona. The Norwegian defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final, avenging his loss to the Greek in the Monte Carlo final just a week prior.Ruud's victory in Barcelona marks a significant milestone in his career, as it is his first title at a level above ATP 250. Prior to this triumph, he had reached seven finals at higher levels, including three Grand Slams, an ATP Finals, two Masters 1000s, and another ATP 500, but had always come up short.The Norwegian's success in Barcelona is a testament to his consistency and determination. He has now won 10 ATP titles, all on clay, and has established himself as one of the most formidable players on the surface.Ruud's victory is also a significant achievement for Norwegian tennis. He is the first Norwegian to win an ATP 500 title and has become a role model for aspiring young players in his country.The 24-year-old's triumph in Barcelona is a major boost to his confidence and will undoubtedly motivate him to continue striving for even greater success in the future. With his exceptional talent and unwavering determination, Ruud has the potential to become one of the most successful players in the world.