Last Updated on June 9, 2023
Casper Ruud, a Norwegian professional tennis player, has made a name for himself in the sport. Born on December 22, 1998, Ruud has reached an impressive career-high singles ranking of world No. 2, which he achieved on September 12, 2022. This milestone makes him the highest-ranked Norwegian in history. Up until May 2023, he has amassed a total of ten ATP Tour singles titles. Despite some early exits in 2023, Ruud managed to clinch his tenth ATP title at the clay court 2023 Estoril Open, pushing him back to world No. 4.
Ruud’s success story is not just about his talent and hard work. A significant part of his journey in tennis traces back to his family, particularly his parents, who have been instrumental in shaping his professional career. So, who exactly are Casper Ruud’s parents?
Who Are Casper Ruud’s Parents?
In the tapestry of Casper Ruud’s life and career, two figures have been essential: his father, Christian Ruud, and his mother, Lele Ruud. Christian, a former professional tennis player himself, has been an essential guide, mentor, and coach for Casper throughout his journey. In contrast, Lele, while not in the public eye, has been a steady presence and a source of unwavering support.
Christian Ruud was a prominent tennis player during his time, reaching a career-high ATP singles ranking of No. 39. He competed at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, had several successful matches on the ATP tour, and even sparred with a young Roger Federer, who was on the brink of making his mark in tennis. Sharing his thoughts on his career transition into coaching his son, Christian said, “He’s been my main coach since I learned to walk. I had other coaches helping me, though. But my father still helped, came to some tournaments, and discussed my business with Pedro almost every day.”
Christian, after ending his career in 2001, decided to devote his time to nurturing his son’s potential in tennis. He was instrumental in facilitating Casper’s move to Spain, where he trained at the academy of Juan Carlos Ferrero. Looking back at those days, Christian shared, “Now he travels with me to almost all competitions,” emphasizing the close bond between father and son both on and off the court.
On the other hand, Lele Ruud, Casper’s mother, has chosen to keep a low profile. She is largely unknown to the public, but her role in Casper’s journey is undeniable. She has been a pillar of strength and a constant source of encouragement for Casper. Despite the difficult birth she had, as mentioned by Christian in his interview, she remained dedicated to raising her son and supporting his dreams.
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A vivid memory from Casper’s early days that Christian recollects involves friendly tennis matches between father and son. To make things interesting, they had a “sweepstake”: “If Casper lost 0:6 or 1:6 he had to pay 5 euros to his father. The score 2:6 was considered neutral, and three or more won games meant a “victory” for Casper – for each subsequent winning game he received 1 euro.”
To conclude, it is undeniable that the influence of his parents has been significant in shaping Casper Ruud into the successful tennis player he is today. From providing the initial exposure to tennis to guiding him through the challenges of the professional circuit, his parents have been there every step of the way. Their collective efforts, coupled with Casper’s tenacity and talent, have enabled the young athlete to carve a name for himself in the competitive world of tennis.