The world of sports has housed impeccable athleticism, thrill, and almost always, heartbreaking moments. Casper Rudd is one to revisit those episodes; enduring a tough season himself. After storming the tour with his acquired taste in formidability, the Norwegian’s hot form dropped after finishing runner-up at three Majors and, the 2022 ATP Finals. Searching for his lost form with modest luck this season, Rudd recalled a forgotten memory from F1.

Ruud isn’t pocketing the most lucrative wins this season. While falling short of his longstanding Grand Slam quest was one thing, Ruud’s performance on tour-level events hasn’t been very significant. His last recorded attendance came in Stockholm, where he faced a premature exit. While trying to level with his rivals has been tough for Ruud lately, it hasn’t stopped the Norwegian star from acquiring his intriguing takes in the sporting world. The former World No. 2 did just that by mentioning a controversy from 2021.

Taking to his X, Ruud replied to a user’s question, notably asking about the most ‘devastating’ loss registered under his ‘spectator catalog’ in sports. Subsequently, he recalled the much-scrutinized 2021 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix controversy, which left Mercedes Petronas superstar Lewis Hamilton “robbed” of his eighth F1 title while battling Dutch-Belgian Max Verstappen. Often lamented and later, addressed by Hamilton, the bizarre slip-up in the motorsport sent shockwaves across the community.

At that year’s Abu Dhabi event, FIA race director Michael Masi incorrectly executed F1’s rulebook to force a restart on the final lap. This, in turn, birthed a nasty aftermath – with fans and experts rattled by the astonishing turn of events. As for Rudd, the Norwegian has more often than not, stayed relevant on social media with his honest admissions. Naturally, passing up on a significant event this season called for his candid take.

Casper Ruud says he turned down an offer to play in Saudi Arabia

Norwegian superstar Casper Ruud knows that despite turning down lucrative offers to play in Saudi Arabia, he cannot change tennis finessing its talents in the Middle East. Lately, sports have been finessing impressive showings in ‘The Kingdom’ owing to added benefits such as cashing in the big bucks. However, the former World No. 2 says he was never invited to play the recently concluded Six Kings Slam exhibition event, which housed Novak Djokovic, soon-to-be-retired Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner.

While talking to ‘SpilXperten’, Rudd touched down on the subject and recorded his response saying: “I didn’t get an offer from the Six Kings Slam, but I have had offers in the past, and I have chosen not to go. It is a controversial country in terms of many things, but there are other countries that are controversial as well that we go to and play in. Look at China with Peng Shuai. So it will be inevitable to play in Saudi in the future, I heard they will host a new tournament (Masters 1000) in the future.”

After enduring a tough loss in Stockholm, the Norwegian will commence his campaign at the Swiss Indoors. Being the second seed, he received a bye into the second round where he will clash against Roberto Bautista Agut on Tuesday, October 22.