Casper Ruud, new father, returns to Delray Beach ‘to win games and see if I can play for more than myself’ | ATP tour | Tennis

Casper Ruud

Ruud, new father, returns ‘to win matches and see if I can play for more than myself’

Former world number 2 is participating for the first time since he and his fiancée Maria welcomed their daughter
February 18, 2026

Casper Ruud won’t have to look far for extra motivation as he begins his debut campaign at the Delray Beach Open this week.

Just weeks after he and his fiancée Maria welcomed the birth of their first child, a daughter, the Norwegian arrives in Florida with more than rackets and expectations. He brings with him the life-changing joy of new fatherhood and ahead of his opening match against Marcos Giron at the ATP 250 hard court event, Ruud reflected in the media about the emotional whirlwind that has reshaped his world.

“It was an incredibly emotional moment,” said Ruud. “I think for anyone who has become a parent it is an incredible feeling and difficult to explain with words.

“I’m looking forward to the future. This is just the beginning of the 20 to 25 years I’ll be caring for her. It’s fun and exciting, I’ll try to use it as motivation and try to remember that you’ve traveled so far and you’re not with her. Might as well do your best and play some good tennis while you’re at it.”

Ruud had already gained momentum this season by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open before returning to Norway, where he announced the arrival of his daughter at the end of January. Now the challenge shifts from balancing backhands to balancing life on Tour with life as a new father.

The swing on the hard court at the start of the season will test that balance. Delray Beach marks the first stop in a stretch that also includes the ATP 500 in Acapulco and ATP Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Miami.

For Ruud, the former number 2 player in the PIF ATP Rankings, the kilometers can feel longer than before.

“It will be a tough journey because it won’t be that easy for them to come here and I will miss them and sometimes get homesick,” Ruud said. “I’ll do my best and see if I can finish the swing on the hard court properly for a while before we go back to Europe and start the clay court season.

“That will be the goal for the coming weeks and months. [starting] here, then Acapulco, Indian Wells and Miami: to win some games and see if I can play for more than myself.

Ruud begins that run in a strong Delray Beach field that includes two-time champion Taylor Fritz and reigning Next Gen ATP Finals title winner Learner Tien.

First up for second-placed Ruud is Giron on Wednesday, with their Lexus ATP Head2Head series tied at 2-2. Although a lot has changed in his personal life, he is confident that his tennis foundation remains intact.

“My forehand still feels pretty much the same as before, and so does my backhand,” Ruud joked. “I haven’t overused my arm yet. I haven’t carried it too much yet!”