World No.13 Casper Ruud has announced the arrival of his first baby with fiancee Maria Galligani, sparking an outpouring of congratulations around the tennis world. The three-time grand slam finalist posted a beautiful photo of the newborn’s hand gripping his finger on Monday, writing: “Best feeling ever.”
The 27-year-old added: “Thank you for all beautiful messages these last couple of weeks. Maria and our baby are doing great.”
Casper Ruud got to be at the birth after losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open. Image: Casper Ruud/AAP
Rafa Nadal, Alex de Minaur, Holger Rune and Tommy Paul were among the many to send their congratulations, while the official ATP Tour account wrote: “Casper!!!!! We are so happy for you and your family.”
The former World No.2 had flagged at the start of the Australian Open that he might have to quit the tournament and fly home immediately if Maria looked like giving birth. The Norwegian said he wanted to be at the birth no matter what and wasn’t concerned about withdrawing from the Australian Open – even if it meant missing out on the chance to win his maiden grand slam.
Ruud made the French Open final in 2022 and 2023, as well as the US Open final in 2022. There was every chance he’d still be in Melbourne on the final weekend of the tournament, but he was probably breathing a sight of relief when he lost to Ben Shelton in the fourth round last Monday.
Casper Ruud would have quit Australian Open mid-tournament
It meant the decision was taken out of his hands and he didn’t have to make the difficult call to quit mid-tournament. It also meant he got to experience the beautiful feeling of being at the birth.
Ruud had said earlier in the tournament: “If I get the call, if she goes into labour I’ll jump on the first flight home for sure. I have to thank Maria for letting me go in the first place. I know she’s at home resting, getting ready.
“Except for when I’m playing a match, the ringer (phone) is on all hours of the day just in case. 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.”
Casper Ruud and Maria Galligani at the Laver Cup in 2022.
(Cameron Smith via Getty Images)
Ruud made an immediate exit from Melbourne after his loss and didn’t stick around. He didn’t appear to conduct the usual post-match press conference after his late-night finish, even though the rules state that all players have to front the media after matches at the Australian Open. Officials likely gave him a pass so he could catch an immediate flight home or get some rest for an early exit the following day.