The sweet reason why Casper Ruud could leave the 2026 Australian Open

Casper Ruud reveals wife Maria is expecting their first child

In an interview with the BBC, Ruud opened up about his excitement and the delicate balance between his professional commitments and his personal life.

“I have to thank Maria for letting me go in the first place. I know she’s at home resting, getting ready. Except for when I’m playing a match, the ringer is on all hours of the day just in case.

“There’s more to life than just tennis, but I’m going to be here for as long as I can and as long as Maria lets me,” Ruud said.

Ruud’s candid comments have struck a chord across the tennis world, showing a more human side to the calm and disciplined competitor known for his consistency and humility on the court.

His focus may be on advancing through the draw in Melbourne, but his heart clearly remains with Maria back home, as the two prepare to welcome their daughter any day now.

Casper Ruud reflects on fatherhood and his future on tour

Speaking to the ATP Tour, Ruud reflected on what fatherhood means to him and how it will shape his journey in tennis. “It might be whenever I get home, she’ll be there. And I left knowing this. I know for a fact that everything goes well, the next time I’ll leave my house, I will have another person at home.

He added: “She’ll be very little and small, but she’ll be there, and I hope to bring them or her and my wife, Maria, to the tournaments together and be a happy family travelling around and to the places where it seems reasonable to travel.

“I’m not just doing this for myself anymore, and I have someone extra to play for.”

The 27-year-old Norwegian has been a model of composure and professionalism throughout his career, but his latest remarks reveal a new motivation behind his play.

For Ruud, the Australian Open is not just about chasing titles, it’s about setting an example for the next chapter of his life. While his tournament run continues for now, fans understand that if the call comes, Ruud won’t hesitate to step off the court and into fatherhood.

Whatever happens next, the tennis world is already celebrating a different kind of victory for Casper Ruud, one that has nothing to do with rankings or trophies, but with the beginning of a family and the joy of new life.