• Casper Ruud says he will leave the Australian Open immediately if his wife Maria goes into labour.
  • The 12th seed beat Mattia Bellucci in straight sets and will face Jaume Munar next.
  • Ruud and his wife are expecting their first child, and the Norwegian has his phone on at all times.

H2: Ruud prioritises family amid Australian Open run

Norwegian No.12 Casper Ruud has made it clear that family comes first at the Australian Open. Speaking after a straight-sets win in the first round, Ruud said he would “probably won’t be here the next day” if his heavily pregnant wife, Maria, goes into labour while he is in Melbourne.

Ruud defeated Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1 6-2 6-4 in the opening round on Monday. He travels into the second round to face Spain’s Jaume Munar on Wednesday.

H3: Preparing for fatherhood on tour

Ruud, who has been a runner-up at the US Open and twice at Roland Garros, told reporters he is grateful to Maria for allowing him to travel to Australia. He said her wellbeing is a priority and that he keeps his phone ringer on at all times so he can respond immediately if needed.

“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, according to the ATP Tour website.

H3: Family support and future plans

The 26-year-old has travelled with family throughout his career and is coached by his father, Christian Ruud, a former professional player. He spoke warmly about the prospect of bringing his newborn daughter and wife to tournaments in future, describing how having a child has given him someone “extra to play for.”

“I know for a fact that if everything goes well, the next time I’ll leave my house I will have another person at home,” Ruud added in his interview.

H2: On-court form and tournament outlook

Ruud’s straight-sets victory over Bellucci was a confident start to his Australian Open campaign. The win showed the form that has carried him to multiple Grand Slam finals in recent years. His immediate focus, however, remains split between progressing in Melbourne and being ready to return to Norway if Maria’s pregnancy goes into labour.

His second-round match against Munar offers a test of his concentration while managing personal priorities. Ruud’s coach and family are available on-site in Melbourne, providing extra support should a family emergency arise.

H4: What this means for the tournament

Tournament organisers and fans have become accustomed to players balancing personal and professional demands during Grand Slams. Should Ruud need to fly home, it would be a reminder of the human side of elite sport — and the special circumstances that come with family milestones.

For now, Casper Ruud remains in Melbourne, prepared to compete but ready to leave at a moment’s notice if his wife goes into labour. His focus will be on the next match and on being present for his growing family.

Image Referance: https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/articles/c79rxznj1ljo