Casper Ruud is preparing for a momentous change in his life, as he is expecting his first child, a girl, due imminently. With her due date aligning suspiciously with the Australian Open final on February 1, Ruud finds himself in a delicate position. He has made arrangements with his partner, Maria, stating that if the baby arrives before the final, he will leave to welcome his daughter into the world, but if he makes it to the final, she is supportive of him playing. “I think I’ll play,” he affirms, signaling his commitment to both his family and his career.
The dynamics of a professional tennis player’s life are often marked by extensive travel and time away from home. Ruud, like many athletes on the ATP tour, spends months on the road, participating in approximately 30 tournaments annually across the globe. He acknowledges the emotional toll of being away, expressing a sense of homesickness despite enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. “It’s nice to wake up in your own bed, to cook your own breakfast with food from your own fridge,” he said, revealing the simple pleasures he misses when traveling.
Compounding his travel demands is the crucial aspect of dependable luggage. As a global ambassador for Samsonite, Ruud relies on their Proxis collection for its robust yet light design. “Before I started working with Samsonite, I was using bags that weren’t as firm. I was always afraid that racquets or something crucial might break,” he explained. This assurance allows him to focus on his game without the added worry about his equipment.
Looking ahead, Ruud aims to rebound from a challenging year in 2025 and is focused on breaking back into the ATP’s top eight rankings, which would secure him a spot in the ATP Finals and offer a favorable seeding for Grand Slam tournaments. He’s conscious of the competitive field, indicating that many players share similar ambitions, which is why he is consciously tempering his expectations during the Australian Open. “I’ve had scenarios in slams before where I’ve come into the tournament feeling great and then not performing well,” he reflected.
Despite the fierce competition, Ruud has not lost sight of his ultimate goal – winning a Grand Slam title. However, he emphasizes the importance of taking one match at a time and remaining grounded. “You have to be on top of your game,” he noted, emphasizing how he intends to navigate through the tournament’s challenges.
As he continues his journey in the sport at 27 years old, Ruud draws inspiration from the previous generation of top players, although he is realistic about his longevity. “I don’t think it’s realistic to say I’ll still be in my peak at 37, but I see no reason why my next five years can’t be as good as my last five years,” he expressed, showcasing his hopefulness for the future.
Ruud’s Australian Open journey has already begun with a win over Mattia Bellucci, positioning him favorably for a potential deep run in the tournament. As he navigates both the excitement of becoming a father and the demanding world of professional tennis, he is equipped not just with the right luggage but also with a determined mindset to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.