Casper Ruud doesn't feel like he has to prove much more after making it to three Grand Slam finals though his dream of winning one remains.
Ruud had a lot of pushback against his tennis excellence because, for the first part of his career, the Norwegian exclusively made a living on clay. He's won multiple trophies on the surface but he's yet to win a major trophy which caused many to doubt whether he is truly as excellent as he seems to be.
One thing that can be used as a metric is Grand Slams. Those are the most important events in the ATP calendar and most players try to bring their best level in those. Well, he's played in three finals so far which for him proves that he's really that good. In an exclusive interview with Eurosport, the Norwegian said he's got not else to prove.
I don’t think there is too much more I need to prove that I am this good or that good or not good or whatever, because I have reached three finals now. I think that gives me motivation to try to win one, and of course it stings to lose in the finals, but what would you rather have - losing in three second rounds or three finals? It’s an easy choice for me.
The latest final Ruud contested was in Paris recently and once again he fell up short. It's unfortunate because his first loss was to Rafael Nadal, a legendary player. His second one was to Carlos Alcaraz, a likely legendary player in the future as well. The latest one was to Novak Djokovic, so while unfortunate they weren't bad losses to some one-hit wonder.
I am very proud of what I have done. People can think and believe what they want but in my mind that shows great things for what the future can hold. I am motivated to try to take that last step and try to win one, that is my biggest goal and dream since I was a young kid.
To get that dream, Ruud needs to work more and improve though it's unlikely that he'll ever win one at Wimbledon. His preparation for the event certainly doesn't sit in line with his talk about needing to improve but ultimately the results on the court are the best measure.
I have realised I am doing well but there are still plenty things that I can improve and become better. I wish to always try to develop as a player. These next five or six years can be very important and hopefully very enjoyable, as long as I stay healthy. The next year is going to be exciting for me.
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