Casper Ruud refused to be negative after losing the final at the ATP Finals, acknowledging that it was still a very positive season for him. In his first final at the prestigious season-ending tournament, Ruud came up short against Novak Djokovic as the Serb claimed a 7-5 6-3 victory.
In 2022, Ruud made his first Grand Slam and Masters finals, also breaking into the top 5 for the first time in his career. Although Ruud did not win a Grand Slam, Masters or ATP Finals title in 2022, he came very close to achieving those goals.
Also, Ruud is ending the 2022 season ranked No. 3 in the world. «If I was offered to finish the year at No. 3, play the finals I’ve played, on January 1 of this year, I’d probably sign the contract right away.
There’s no question about it,» Ruud mused, according to Tennis Majors.
Casper Ruud: «If I was offered to finish the year at No. 3, play the finals I’ve played, on January 1 of this year, I would probably sign the contract right away.
No doubt about that.» #ATPFinals pic.twitter.com/wiwVS227TK — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) November 20, 2022
Casper Ruud hopes his best tennis is yet to come
In late March and early April, Ruud made his first Masters final in Miami, in which he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
Two months later, Ruud was defeated by Rafael Nadal in his first Grand Slam final at the French Open. In September, Ruud lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final. «I feel like, of course, I’ve been playing some great tennis this year, but I still feel like maybe I haven’t peaked or hopefully played the best tennis of my life so far,» Ruud added.
Casper Ruud: «I feel like of course I’ve been playing some great tennis this year, but I still feel like maybe I haven’t peaked or hopefully played the best tennis of my life so far.» #ATPFinals — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) November 20, 2022
Going into the 2023 season, Ruud hopes to stay healthy and be able to challenge for Grand Slam titles.
«I think one of the biggest goals for me next year is to try to go through most of the year without dealing with too many injuries. This year, early on, I faced a couple that put me out for a while.»
Australian Open, I couldn’t play,» Ruud said.
Casper Ruud: «I think one of the biggest goals for me next year is to try to go almost the whole year without facing too many injuries. This year, early on, I faced a couple that put me out for a while . a little.
Australian Open, couldn’t play.» — Tennis Majors (@Tennis_Majors) November 20, 2022
