Despite turning pro in 2015 and reaching the final of several important tournaments, he won his first ATP title in April 2024.

Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz (Images via Imago, X)

Casper Ruud was close to becoming World No.1 and was close to win his first Grand Slam title three times. Unfortunately, the player from Norway lost all the finals in these major events.

He made it to the French Open finals in 2022 and 2023, and the US Open final in 2022. Despite turning pro in 2015 and reaching the final of several important tournaments, he won his first ATP title in April 2024.

At the Barcelona Open final, the 25-year-old defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets 7-5, 6-3 to finally take home his first ATP 500 title. Recently, during an interview with Punto de Break, Ruud coach, Pedro Clar, discussed the Norweian defeats in important finals.

Notably, Ruud lost the 2022 French Open final to Rafael Nadal, the 2022 US Open is final to Carlos Alcaraz, and the 2023 French Open final to Novak Djokovic. Coach Clar said it’s tough for anyone to beat these players.

In the end, facing Rafa, Djokovic, and Alcaraz is not easy either. I do not think so. If you win, it's because you deserve it, just like if you lose, it's because you didn't do the right thing, or because the other player was better. I don't think tennis has been unfair to Casper.

Pedro Clar told Punto de Break

After the Barcelona Open triumph, Ruud played at the Madrid Open and lost to Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime in the Round of 16 (6-4, 7-5).

Casper Ruud is a talented youngster who produced impressive performances, especially on clay. Although the World No.6 has done well at Grand Slam events but is yet to clinch the title, what if he ends up not lifting the coveted trophy at all? Coach Pedro Clar said it won’t be a disappointment but is sure the Norwegian player would one day win the trophy.

Casper Ruud (Image via Imago)

Disappointed? I don't think so. Obviously, he is a candidate to win a Grand Slam, but there are many good players, we know that winning one is very difficult, even though he has been so close. I still believe that he can get it one day, but if he doesn't get it…well, he doesn't have to get there. 

Pedro Clar said 

Ruud started the year with the Australian Open and though he reached the final in Los Cabos Open and the Mexican Open, he was unlucky again. He made it to the third final of the year at the Monte-Carlo Masters but lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas.