Casper Ruud had a unique chance to become world number one at the 2022 US Open, but he ultimately lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard then became the youngest world no. 1 in the history of men's tennis. However, Ruud believes he still has a chance to reach the highest spot in the ATP Rankings in the future, as he hinted before starting the season in Australia.
“It was fun, and I think it was great that the two finalists were playing for world No 1, because I believe there was a scenario where one of us could have reached the final if the other one lost in the quarters or semis, and you could have potentially lost the final and still become No 1,” he said. “I was much happier that we would play for world No 1."
The Norwegian eventually finished the season as world no. 3 after winning 51 matches and three titles. All of his triumphs came on the clay, and he triumphed twice in Switzerland. Speaking more about the last season, he said:
“I think last season has shown me that I have the potential if I continue to do the right things, work hard, I can be in that position again or it can never happen. So you never know in this sport. That’s what’s great about tennis, you really have to fight and earn your way up.”
“Of course it would be great to win it, but it gives me motivation to work hard and…to believe in myself that it’s possible, because when you grow up from a small tennis country like Norway and you watch Nadal, Federer, Novak play these great matches all your life, it’s tough sometimes to believe you can be there yourself one day.”
0 Comments