‘Was extra nervous’ when I met Roger Federer: Casper Ruud on playing against the Swiss legend

‘Was extra nervous’ when I met Roger Federer: Casper Ruud on playing against the Swiss legend
Ruud(left) and Federer(right)

Casper Ruud faced Roger Federer in the 3rd round of the 2019 French Open. The Norwegian recently shared his experience about facing the modern-day legend in Paris. Ruud claims that he was ‘extra nervous’ and was not able to sleep the night before meeting Federer.

Current World No.5, Federer defeated Ruud in three straight sets in the claycourt of Paris. It was first and by far the only encounter between Rudd and Federer.

 It was a bit difficult to sleep the night before: Ruud

Casper Ruud

The young Norwegian spoke in a TV interview with Skavlan and described the night before he was set to face the legend.

FS Video

“I remember before I was going to play against Roger Federer, it was a bit difficult to sleep the night before,” Ruud said.

He continued “When you lie with your head on the pillow, thoughts come. Because when you have to meet a player like Federer, the pressure is great.”

Ruud went on to say, “It is the time of day (while sleeping) where I get to think most about what will happen the next day.” He added, “So when you meet the one who is considered the greatest legend in your sport in history, it is clear that you get a little extra nervous. It was not as easy to fall asleep then.”

Big 3 command tremendous respect: Ruud

The Big 3

Ruud also shared an anecdote explaining the huge amount of respect that the Big 3- Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal command. Ruud narrated a story of how Federer entered a players café once and everyone went silent.

“It was in Melbourne a few years ago, and then I remember that we sat in a large cafe where all the players sit to eat,” Ruud said. “When Roger Federer came in, it was completely quiet and everyone turned around. Now the legend is here,” he further added.

Ruud goes on to say, “These three legends, they look taller than they might be. They are probably around 1.85 meters, but it may seem that they are two meters because of the respect you have for them.”

Also Read: Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic eager to team up with Roger Federer in mixed doubles at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics