Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud for Classic
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- 5 minutes ago
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Three-time Grand Slam finalist and current world No 12 Casper Ruud of Norway has confirmed he will play at next months ASB Classic.
Ruud is the second highest ranked player behind ninth ranked American Ben Shelton to confirm for the tournament, with both players choosing to play in Auckland for a fourth time.
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The shared experience for both Ruud and Shelton goes deeper, with both players coached by their fathers, who also both played on the ATP Tour. Christian Ruud and Bryan Shelton competed at the ASB Classic in Auckland seven times between them from 1993 to 1998.
Casper Ruud, who reached the top 100 six years ago and the top 50 one year later, has been inside the world’s top-12 ranked players over the last five years with a career high No 2 during 2022 and three Grand Slam finals.
This year the Norwegian won a further two titles, taking his tally to 14, with the highlight coming in his victory over Great Britain’s Jack Draper to win the Masters 1000 Madrid title.
“It was the biggest title I have won and my first Masters 1000. All-in-all this year was not exactly what I hoped for but this title made the year good and when I look back, that is what I am most proud of,” said Ruud.
Despite a rain-soaked tournament when he last played in Auckland in 2023, Ruud is looking forward to his return.
“It is a really nice tournament. We had a really good time. You do not get many chances to go to New Zealand and it is a cool country and great tournament.”
He is working hard on his preparations for 2026.
“We are already in pre-season here at home training and doing my best to improve many aspects of my game.
“My goal for 2026 is to be back in the top-10 and to make it back to the ATP Finals in Turin which is a big goal and benchmark to set yourself.”
ASB Classic Tournament Director, Nicolas Lamperin said attracting high calibre global stars like Ruud and Shelton to Auckland is a massive fillip for the tournament and the city.
“Casper is year-in, year-out one of the best performers on the world stage. It is wonderful that both Casper and his father Christian are strong supporters of the ASB Classic and enjoy things both on and off the court in Auckland.
“Casper is not just an excellent player but an outstanding person and professional who has real mana among the tennis fraternity. I cannot overstate that it is a rare privilege for not just tennis supporters but sports fans to be able to see world-leading players like Casper on our courts.”
Ruud, who is also a keen golfer, will bring his clubs with him, and hopes to get the opportunity to play in Auckland before the tournament.
“I had a great time playing golf in New Zealand last time. Of course I am there to play tennis but if I have some time to play golf I will be happy to do so.”
Meanwhile Lamperin won’t count out further world-ranked players when the women’s field for the ASB Classic is announced next week, followed by the men’s field ahead of the tournament which runs from 5-11 January for women and 12-17 January for men
