Casper Ruud unbothered to becoming World No 1 at the Australian Open, has other goals to achieve

Casper Ruud wants to win a Grand Slam title desperately this season. He consider it higher goal compared to becoming World No.1.

Casper Ruud unbothered to becoming World No 1 at the Australian Open, has other goals to achieve

Casper Ruud with US Open 2022 runners-up plate (Image Credit: Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar)

Casper Ruud is the highest ranked tennis player from Norway. He also had an incredible season last year. He won three ATP titles- Gstaad Open, Geneva Open and Argentina Open. However, he is currently ranked No.3 in the ATP rankings behind the two Spaniards- Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal.

He did come close, winning his career’s maiden Grand Slam twice last season. However, both the Spaniards spoilt his plans. Rafael Nadal defeated him in the Championship match of the 2022 French Open and Carlos Alcaraz beat him in the Championship match of the US Open 2022.

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He also played in the Championship match of the 2022 ATP Finals. But this time, too, he could not pass the final hurdle. Novak Djokovic defeated him.

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However, this year, Casper Ruud has set his eyes on winning a major title. This target is more important for him than becoming World No.1.

In a recent interaction with the media, on the sidelines of the ASB Classic 2023, he answered questions about his ambitions and prospects of him becoming World No.1. A social media user shared this video.

“I would rather win a Grand Slam and never become World No.1 than opposite, so… I think that is where my highest motivation is at the moment,” the World No.3 said.

Casper Ruud is in Auckland, New Zealand to participate in the ASB Classic 2023 as an ideal preparatory ground for the Australian Open 2023.

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Casper Ruud’s chances at the Australian Open 2023

Casper Ruud (Image Credit: Euro News Source)
Casper Ruud (Image Credit: Euro News Source)

The Norwegian had a memorable season in 2022. However, he would also agree that it would have been better if he could win those two Grand Slam finals and the Championship match against Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals 2022. This year he is desperate to inscibe his name in the history books with golden letters. But the challenges are plenty before him.

Casper Ruud did not play in the 2022 Australian Open but this time he would like to take the trophy home. However, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic would be eager to spoil his party at the Australian Open 2023. Also, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Taylor Fritz, among others, would like to better their head-to-head record against him in this competition.

Moreover, younger generation players such as Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti, Jannik Sinner and Brandon Nakashima, among others, can possess a challenge before the 24-year-old. Hence, he is participating in the 2023 ASB Classic tournament to prepare well for the Australian Open 2023. Besides him, the main draw here includes some wonderful players such as, Cameron Norrie, Diego Schwartzman, Adrian Mannarino, and John Isner.

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