Casper Ruud: Norway’s Clay-Court King Eyes Australian Open Third Round
BERLIN, 24 January 2026 – Casper Ruud, Norway’s highest-ranked tennis player in history, enters the third round of the Australian Open as the world number 13. The 27-year-old, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, will face Croatian veteran Marin Čilić for a place in the last 32 at Melbourne Park.
Ruud’s 2026 Season So Far
The Norwegian has had a mixed start to the 2026 season. He began the year at the United Cup, defeating Alex de Minaur (6-3, 6-3) but losing to Czech teenager Jakub Menšík (7-5, 7-6). Ruud then competed at the ASB Classic in Auckland, where he received a first-round bye before being eliminated in the second round by Hungary’s Fábián Marozsán (6-4, 6-4).
At the season’s first Grand Slam, Ruud has looked more assured. He opened his Australian Open campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Mattia Bellucci. He followed that up with a straight-sets win over Spain’s Jaume Munar (6-3, 7-5, 6-4) to book his third-round clash with Čilić.
Key Facts & Career Statistics
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Casper Ruud |
| Nationality | Norwegian |
| Current ATP Ranking | 13 |
| Career-High Ranking | 2 (September 2022) |
| Date of Birth | 22 December 1998 (Age 27) |
| Height / Weight | 183 cm / 80 kg |
| Plays | Right-Handed (Two-Handed Backhand) |
| Turned Professional | 2015 |
| Career Prize Money (Approx.) | €23.5 Million |
| 2026 Season Record (Singles) | 3 Wins – 2 Losses |
| Career Singles Record (W-L) | 298 – 158 (65.3%) |
| Career Singles Titles | 14 ATP Tour Titles |
| Grand Slam Finals | 3 (Runner-up: 2022, 2023 French Open; 2022 US Open) |
| Preferred Surface | Clay |
| Coach | Christian Ruud (Father) |
Path to the Third Round in Melbourne
Ruud, seeded 13th in the tournament, has navigated the early rounds with efficiency. His first-round victory over Mattia Bellucci (6-1, 6-2, 6-4) was followed by a more challenging but ultimately straight-sets win against Jaume Munar (6-3, 7-5, 6-4) in the second round.
The upcoming match against Čilić, a former world number 3 and Grand Slam champion, represents a significant step up in competition. Čilić, currently ranked ATP 70, presents a different stylistic challenge compared to Ruud’s previous opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casper Ruud’s highest career ranking?
Casper Ruud achieved a career-high singles ranking of world number 2 on 12 September 2022. He is the highest-ranked Norwegian tennis player in history.
How many Grand Slam finals has Ruud contested?
Ruud has reached three Grand Slam singles finals. He was the runner-up at the French Open in both 2022 (losing to Rafael Nadal) and 2023 (losing to Novak Djokovic). He also finished as the runner-up at the 2022 US Open, losing to Carlos Alcaraz.
What is Ruud’s most successful tournament?
Ruud has enjoyed particular success at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona, winning the title in 2024. He is also a three-time champion at the ATP 250 event in Geneva (2021, 2022, 2024) and a two-time winner at the ATP 250 event in Gstaad, Switzerland (2021, 2022).
Who coaches Casper Ruud?
Ruud is coached by his father, Christian Ruud, a former ATP professional who achieved a career-high singles ranking of world number 39. Christian has coached his son since the beginning of his professional career.