Casper Ruud has re-entered the spotlight with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego at the Stockholm Open. This victory not only secured Ruud a spot in the quarterfinals but also marked a much-needed resurgence after a challenging stretch during the Asian swing of the ATP Tour. Early exits from both the China Open and the Shanghai Masters left the Norwegian struggling to regain his footing. However, with his performance in Stockholm, Ruud seems to have found his rhythm again, signaling a potential turning point as the season nears its conclusion.
Ruud’s recent win is a testament to his perseverance and ability to bounce back from a slump. The Norwegian, known for his relentless work ethic and mental toughness, has faced a year full of ups and downs. After reaching his career-high ranking of World No. 2 in 2022, Ruud has struggled to maintain that level of consistency in 2023, particularly during the latter stages of the season. But his latest performance against Sonego indicates that he is once again ready to challenge the top players as the ATP season heads into its final stretch.
While Ruud’s on-court achievements are noteworthy, his influence extends far beyond his performance with a racket. Over the past year, he has become a prominent voice in tennis, using his platform to discuss various issues within the sport. Known for his candid and thoughtful opinions, Ruud is never one to shy away from controversy. Whether through his interviews or his podcast, he often addresses hot-button topics in tennis, providing insights into everything from scheduling conflicts to the broader state of the game.
One of the most talked-about issues in tennis at the moment is the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Several top players, including Jannik Sinner, have made the trip to Riyadh to compete, sparking a debate over the event’s timing and location. Sinner, who is participating in the exhibition, voiced his frustration about the scheduling, which forced him to skip the Vienna Open—a tournament he had hoped to play. His comments added fuel to an ongoing conversation among players and analysts about the growing influence of Saudi Arabia in sports, and whether events like the Six Kings Slam are part of a broader trend of “sportswashing.”
Ruud has also weighed in on the issue. During a press conference following his victory over Sonego, the Norwegian addressed his absence from the event in Saudi Arabia. Ruud revealed that while he didn’t receive an offer to play in the Six Kings Slam this year, he has been approached in the past with offers to compete in Saudi Arabia. “I didn’t get an offer from Six Kings Slam, but I’ve had offers in the past and I’ve chosen not to go,” Ruud stated.
The 24-year-old went on to discuss the broader debate surrounding Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in tennis and sports in general. Acknowledging the controversy surrounding the country’s human rights record, Ruud compared it to other locations on the ATP Tour. “Of course, it’s a controversial country, but there are other countries we travel to that are also controversial,” he remarked. Specifically, Ruud pointed to China, a regular stop on the ATP Tour, despite ongoing concerns about human rights issues there. “You can certainly discuss China and human rights there, but we go there every year,” Ruud added, making it clear that tennis, like many global sports, often grapples with the ethics of where and when to play.
Despite his absence from the high-profile event in Riyadh, Ruud has his sights set on bigger goals. Currently ranked seventh in the Race to Turin, he is on the verge of qualifying for the ATP Finals, a prestigious year-end tournament that features the top eight players in the world. The Stockholm Open is a critical stop for Ruud as he looks to accumulate the points necessary to secure his spot in Turin. Reflecting on his win over Sonego, Ruud emphasized how important the victory was for his confidence and his chances of qualifying. “The match today might have decided whether I am going to qualify or not. We don’t know that, but in the end, it could be, you know. Now, I just have to win as many matches as possible to qualify,” he said.
Ruud’s focus is now squarely on achieving his season-long goals. After a career-defining 2022, where he not only qualified for the ATP Finals but finished the season as the runner-up, Ruud is determined to return to the tournament and compete at the highest level once again. His journey in Stockholm is far from over, as he prepares to face Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the quarterfinals. Griekspoor, known for his consistency and solid all-around game, will provide a tough challenge for Ruud, but the Norwegian’s recent resurgence suggests that he is ready for the fight.
Ruud’s year has been a rollercoaster, marked by moments of brilliance and periods of frustration. But with the ATP Finals within reach and his game seemingly back on track, he is poised to finish the season on a high note. As he prepares for his next match in Stockholm, the tennis world will be watching closely to see if Ruud can continue his comeback and secure his place among the elite in Turin.