Source: Radio New Zealand
Norwegian tennis player Casper Ruud, 2025. Alfredo Falcone/LaPresse / PHOTOSPORT
Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud is returning to the ASB Classic in Auckland this summer.
World number 12 Ruud is the second highest ranked player behind number 9 American Ben Shelton to confirm their entry for the tournament in January, with both players choosing to play in Auckland for a fourth time.
The shared experience for both Ruud and Shelton goes deeper, with both players coached by their fathers, who also both played on the ATP Tour. In the process Christian Ruud and Bryan Shelton competed at the ASB Classic in Auckland seven times between them from 1993 to 1998.
Ruud, who reached the top 100 six years ago and the top 50 one year later, has been inside the world’s top-12 ranked players over the last five years with a career high number 2 during 2022.
He made the final of the French Open at Roland Garros in 2022 and 2023 and the final of the US Open in New York in 2022.
This year the Norwegian won a further two titles, taking his tally to 14, with the highlight coming in his victory over Great Britain’s Jack Draper to win the Masters 1000 Madrid title.
“It was the biggest title I have won and my first Masters 1000. All-in-all this year was not exactly what I hoped for but this title made the year good and when I look back, that is what I am most proud of,” Ruud said.
Despite a rain-soaked tournament when he last played in Auckland in 2023, Ruud is looking forward to his return and is working hard on his preparations for 2026.
“We are already in pre-season here at home training and doing my best to improve many aspects of my game.
“My goal for 2026 is to be back in the top-10 and to make it back to the ATP Finals in Turin which is a big goal and benchmark to set yourself.”
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
