World No.13 Casper Ruud says there’s a chance he’ll have to withdraw from the Australian Open and rush back home to be with his fiancee for the birth of their first child. The Norwegian tennis star is currently in New Zealand playing in the Auckland Open, ahead of the Australian Open which begins at Melbourne Park on Sunday.
Ruud’s fiancee Maria Galligani has understandably remained at home in Oslo as she is in the final weeks of pregnancy. But the World No.13 told reporters in Auckland that if the couple’s first child arrives earlier than expected, he’ll be on the first plane back home to be by his partner’s side.
Casper Ruud’s fiancee Maria Galligani is due to give birth. Image: Getty
“Just going to do my best. It’s the first time for a few things for me, and obviously, one of the biggest moments will be welcoming our first child back home,” Ruud told reporters in Auckland. “Honestly, she can come anytime now. Hopefully, I get to stay for the rest of the tournament. But you never know; I might get a call and be on the plane back home.”
The couple are also set to tie the knot later in 2026 after being engaged for the last two years. But the three-time grand slam finalist hopes his preparations for the first grand slam tournament of the year won’t be disrupted by the need to make a hasty long-haul flight back to Norway.
“It’s no short trip back home. So, hopefully, she stays in for a few extra weeks, and I can be there for the birth,” he added. “Later in the year, we’ll have our wedding and celebrate our marriage. So, it will be a really fun year.”
Former World No.2 Casper Ruud could be forced to withdraw from the Australian Open if his first baby with fiancee Maria Galligani arrives early. Pic: Getty
Casper Ruud and his fiancee Maria Galligani are expecting their first child in the coming weeks. Pic: Instagram
Casper Ruud keen to put a challenging 2025 behind him
Ruud enjoyed a difficult 2025 after being knocked out in the second round at three of the four majors, including last year’s Australian Open. He also skipped Wimbledon after suffering an injury at Roland Garros, with his world ranking taking a hit as a result.
But the recently-turned 27-year-old is still one of the most consistent players on the ATP Tour after finishing inside at least the top-12 for the past five seasons. And Ruud believes his best tennis is still ahead of him.
“I feel like the next five years of my career can still be, hopefully even more, but I see no reason why the next five years shouldn’t be as good as the last five years,” he said. “I hope that I’m entering my prime from being around 26–27 to 32–33. I will consider those years to be hopefully my best years.”
Ruud received a first-round bye in Auckland and is still waiting to see who his first Australian Open tune-up match will be against. The Norwegian faces the winner of Tuesday’s clash between Fabian Marozsan and defending champion Gael Monfils.