Norway’s Casper Ruud has celebrated his rise to the top of the world tennis rankings, with confirmation that he will compete in the 2023 ASB Classic in Auckland.
The 23-year-old, who jumped to No 2 in the world after finishing runner-up at the US Open this week, will become the highest-ranked male player in recent times to compete at the New Zealand tournament.
Ruud, who went out in the round of 32 at the ASB Classic when last played in 2020, has worked his way up the global rankings, and has become the first Norwegian to break into the top 10.
In a breakthrough year for Ruud, he has reached two Grand Slam finals, at the French Open and the US Open. He was also runner-up at the 1000s event in Miami and won three ATP 250s this year.
Ruud has won nine ATP singles titles so far throughout his career.
Ruud, who likes to have plenty of match-time under his belt before a Grand Slam, is keen to return to New Zealand as he prepares for the Australian Open, which he missed earlier this year with an injury.
Casper Ruud displays incredible sportsmanship at the US Open 2022 final
Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz played against each other in the final of the 2022 US Open not only for the silverware at the Arthur Ashe but also for the World No. 1 spot.
Despite all that being at stake, the Norwegian displayed some incredible sportsmanship during the clash, earning himself a lot of good accolades among tennis fans worldwide.
“I’m happy that we played each other in the final and that we played for the title and the world No. 1 spot. I think it’s deserving we are No. 1 and No. 2 tomorrow,” the 23-year-old from Norway told press at Flushing Meadows on Sunday. said Ruud at the on-court interview. [via youtube.com]
Casper Ruud had high praise for Carlos Alcaraz despite the disappointment of his defeat to the Spanish teen in the US Open final.
