Norwegian tennis world No.8 Casper Ruud has commented on his first-round victory at Wimbledon in London, UK, saying he wanted to win, even though he knows he is not at his best on grass surfaces.
“The grass season is the most challenging for me. I accept everything as it is. Of course, I want to improve and become the best grass player of my career, but I also have to be realistic. I know my chances are higher on clay. It’s pretty cool. I can play with my shoulders down, without too much pressure or expectations on myself. But I go on the court because I want to win.
Ruud stressed that while he is aware of his relative strengths and weaknesses on different surfaces, his ultimate goal is always to compete and emerge victorious, no matter the challenges.
“I’m not going to lie and say I’m as comfortable on grass as I am on clay. That would be dishonest. But I’m not going to use that as an excuse either. I’m here to fight, to give it my all and to try to win matches. That’s what motivates me, and that’s what I’m going to continue to focus on.”
The Norwegian’s comments reflect a pragmatic and determined approach to the grass-court season, which has always been more challenging for him compared to his successes on clay. By acknowledging his limitations while maintaining a positive and competitive mindset, Ruud demonstrates a level of self-awareness and resilience that could serve him well in navigating the unique demands of Wimbledon and other grass-court events.
“I know I’m not the favorite on grass, and I’m OK with that. It takes the pressure off in a way. I can just go out there, play my game and see what happens. If I win, great. If I lose, well, I did my best. That’s the mentality I’m trying to have at Wimbledon.
Ruud’s comments also highlight the importance of adapting one’s game and expectations to different surfaces, a crucial skill for long-term success in professional tennis. By embracing the challenges of the grass court season and focusing on the process rather than the outcome, the Norwegian player is positioning himself to make the most of his opportunities and continue his development as a complete and versatile competitor.
As Ruud progresses at Wimbledon, his ability to execute his game plan and compete with composure on grass will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. Regardless of the final outcome, his openness and honesty in discussing his strengths, weaknesses and approach to the tournament provide valuable insights into the mindset of a top player navigating the complexities of the professional tour.
