As the Australian Open kicks off, the year seems to bring lady luck for the Norwegian ATP star, Casper Ruud. During his off-season, Ruud got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Maria Galligani. And now he has started his Australian Open campaign with a victory over the Spanish, Jaume Munar in a five-set thriller. During the post-match interview, the 26-year-old was asked a hilarious question and his response was rather brilliant.

Ruud revealed the news of his engagement to his long-time girlfriend, Maria Galligani, sharing his excitement with the caption, “Can’t wait to marry you.” The couple has been together since well before Ruud’s rise on the ATP Tour. They went public with their relationship in 2018. Galligani has been a supportive presence throughout Ruud’s journey, standing by him as he reached three Grand Slam finals. She has often been seen cheering for him alongside Ruud’s family, which includes his father and coach, Christian, and his mother, Lele.

After winning his first-round match in the ongoing Australian Open, Ruud gave a candid on-court interview. And, the interviewer lightheartedly brought up a question related to his engagement to his fiancée, Maria. “You had a very busy off-season we know you got engaged to Maria. I’d just like to know you’ve played three grand slam finals a couple against Rafa, where you’re more nervous going into playing Rafa or more nervous about asking Maria to marry,” the interviewer asked.

Ruud responded with a chuckle, “You uh you know the pools got off there when uh you are about to go down on your knees so um it was a great moment uh you know I won’t forget every I won’t you know ever I won’t ever forget,”  he recalled the unforgettable moment.

The interviewer proceeded further, asking, “So you’re still nervous?” Ruud admitted, “I can tell I’m nervous now when you ask me about it I I don’t want to say the wrong things but I was uh I’m trying to say that I will never forget playing Rafa in the slam final but for sure I will also never forget going down on my knees to Maria it was a beautiful moment so I think this is a bigger moment.”

Rafael Nadal is someone whom Ruud idolizes and when Nadal defeated him 6-3, 6-3, 6-0 in the French Open final in 2022, claiming his 22nd Grand Slam title, the Norwegian showered praises on the Spanish maestro in his runner-up speech, saying “We know you’re a great champion and I got to feel what it is like to play against you in a final. I am not the first victim,” 

While Ruud might have kickstarted his campaign on a high on the hard courts of Melbourne, he is actually a clay court lover, pretty much like his idol Nadal. Having trained with Nadal himself in his academy, Ruud’s love for clay has always been evident.

Casper Ruud’s clay court prowess catches the eyes, thanks to idol Rafael Nadal

Casper Ruud made history as the first Norwegian male to reach a Grand Slam final, as he finished as the runner-up at the 2022 French Open. The same year, he also reached the US Open final, before making it to the French Open final again in 2023 and cementing his position as one of the best players on clay. Over his career, Ruud has won 12 ATP titles, with 11 coming on clay, including his first ATP 500 title at the 2024 Barcelona Open.

Ruud’s connection to Rafael Nadal has significantly influenced his development. In 2018, he joined the Rafael Nadal Academy, training under the guidance of the Spanish legend. Reflecting on their practice matches, Ruud humorously commented, “He usually beats me, but that’s because I want to be kind and let him win.” His father, Christian, shared that the academy invited Ruud to train after spotting his potential during the French Open, a decision the family has cherished ever since.

Ruud idolized the Spaniard growing up, watching how Nadal maximized margins and dominated rallies. Ruud got the privilege of partnering with his boyhood hero, as the two even teamed up for doubles at the 2024 Nordea Open. Inspired by Nadal’s transformation as an adaptable player, Ruud remains hopeful about improving his game across all surfaces while staying true to his clay-court roots. “The structure of my game is there. I won’t change it now,” he previously said.

Even though he doesn’t have a Grand Slam title yet, Ruud continues to grow and evolve, proving himself as one of the most consistent players of the generation. Are you backing him to make a deep run in the ongoing Australian Open?