I wanted to be on TV one day and play on the big stages.”įollowing a morning practice, a drive across the city brought us to see Ruud’s ongoing vow to improvement with longtime strength and conditioning coach Marcel da Cruz. “I dreamed about being a professional player. But then the older I got, I was always wanting to improve,” Ruud reflected at his tennis training base with my colleague Kyle MacLelland. “In the beginning, it was just for fun, playing around with my classmates. Bubbling underneath it all is strategic intention to keep the competitive juices flowing inside the boy who was initially inspired by Rafael Nadal’s first Roland Garros title run to become Norway’s greatest tennis talent-and potential future heir to the Paris throne. While banter keeps Casper’s actions light-hearted, encouragement is the dominant language. In tennis, you have only splits of a second to react, while golfing, you have minutes in between your shots.”Īfter spending a day with the Ruuds, one recurring way of living surfaced: any activity can be transformed into a contest, but there’s a kid-on-the-playground purity always present. You’re really playing yourself and your own emotions. I’m happy about that.”Īdds Casper, “I always enjoy a challenge and golf is the same. It’s still competitive and he likes to play rough with me also. “When he has time off, normally we play together. He’s luckier because he has a better technique,” he says with a now familiar smile. Unamused, Christian is quick to point out his son has an unfair advantage. But the past year or two, I’ve been a little bit better.” “He used to beat me a lot when I was younger. “I’m playing with less pressure, even on the golf course. Ever since I broke into the Top 100 in the world, things have been easier,” the 23-year-old tells me with a chuckle. He holes out for an eagle.Īs Christian reacts with calm dissatisfaction, Casper turns around with an affable grin stretched across his face. He takes his glove off, tosses it to the side and strikes a short iron. The opening shot into the giant projector screen is average by his own admission, though it still leaves the younger Ruud in position to attack the green.

Equipped with a fresh set of Yonex clubs, Casper pulls the cover off a 3-wood and addresses the tee. It’s wintertime, when frigid conditions and limited daylight force the duo to trade in a traditional round of golf for a virtual version of their shared passion. OSLO, Norway-At an indoor facility in Oslo, Casper Ruud arrives to meet up with dad Christian for game night. Editor's Note: This feature was published in the May/June 2022 issue of TENNIS Magazine and initially ran online April 11, 2022

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