Nervous Norwegian Tennis Star Casper Ruud Opens Up About Playing with Tennis Legends at 2023 Laver Cup
Norwegian tennis sensation Casper Ruud, known for his incredible skills on the court, recently revealed his nervousness during the 2022 Laver Cup tournament. The reason? Watching legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray spectating his matches from the bench.
As the 2023 Laver Cup kicks off in Vancouver, Canada, Ruud has arrived with his Team Europe companions. Joining him are Andrey Rublev, Hubert Hurkacz, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Arthur Fils, and Gael Monfils. The experienced Bjorn Borg leads Team Europe as the captain, with Thomas Enqvist as the vice-captain.
Having made his debut in 2021, Ruud is set to represent Team Europe for the third time. During a pre-tournament press conference, he shared his insight and advice with fellow teammate Arthur Fils, who is making his maiden Laver Cup appearance.
Recalling his own experiences, the Norwegian player said, The last two years have been real exciting for me, with ups and downs like everyone experiences. I tried to advise Arthur yesterday since it’s his first match and I’ve been through it. I did it two years in a row, first in Boston and then in London.
In 2021, when Ruud first participated in the tournament, none of the four tennis legends were present. However, last year, Djokovic, Nadal, Federer, and Murray joined the team as his teammates. Ruud confessed that their presence on the bench made him feel anxious yet motivated.
Last year in London, I was probably even more nervous because we had Roger, Rafa, Novak, and Andy watching. Looking over at the bench was motivating but also nerve-racking. I told Arthur he’ll do fine, Ruud shared.
The World No. 9 expressed his excitement about donning the blue jacket and once again representing Team Europe. He emphasized that playing for Team Europe is special, especially under the leadership of Swedish captains Bjorn Borg and Thomas Enqvist.
Roger Federer, who bid farewell to professional tennis at the Laver Cup in 2022, acknowledged the immense value that younger players gain from the guidance of legends like Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, the captain of Team World.
Federer said, What’s been really important is that the players go away with loads of information in their backpacks. They can apply it in their day-to-day practice, their day-to-day life on a tennis court and think back to the Laver Cup where they learned something from the likes of John McEnroe or Bjorn Borg.
As the 2023 Laver Cup unfolds, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing Casper Ruud’s performance and his ability to learn and grow alongside tennis greats. The tournament serves as a unique platform for young talents to gain invaluable knowledge and improve their game, thanks to the guidance of seasoned icons.
