World number 3 Casper Ruud has announced that he will be taking a break after the Australian Open and that is when he really plans to have his pre-season for the 2023 season. After a great 2021 season, Ruud enjoyed an even more 2022 season. Big, as last year he achieved his first two Grand Slam finals and his first Masters final.
Following a runner-up finish at the ATP Finals in late November, Ruud traveled to South America for a series of exhibition matches against Rafael Nadal. Ruud didn’t really have much time to rest or work on his game and plans to give his body a rest after the 2023 season-opening Grand Slam.
Ruud to Eurosport: I’m taking a break after the Australian Open
«A normal calendar year in tennis, if you play a tournament every month, then the season lasts 10 and a half months. It’s not healthy for the body at all.»
There are no major tournaments in February and therefore I will use the time to train my physique and actually use that month as a kind of ‘pre-season’, which I would normally have in December. A lot happened in December, including the trip to South America with Nadal.
I tried to keep it going and thought Australian Open 2023 would be the last tournament before I take a little break from the tournament. When I make the change I’m making now, the season will be shortened to eight and a half months.
That’s long enough too. It will be exciting to see if he comes out right, but it’s at least worth a try,» Ruud told Eurosport. Meanwhile, Ruud started his 2023 season in the United Cup and will also play in Auckland next week.
Ruud then travels to Melbourne for the Australian Open, which is scheduled for January 16-29. After the Australian Open, Ruud’s plan is to return to action at the Indian Wells Masters, which begins on March 8.
That being said, Ruud will not be competing in tournaments for at least 40 days after his Melbourne career ends.
