Article by Luminița Paul – Published on Monday, 08 December 2025 19:19 / Updated on Monday, 08 December 2025 19:20
Casper Ruud (26 years old, 12th place ATP) had a fluctuating 2025 season, but marked by the title won at the Masters 1000 in Madrid. In 2026, the most exciting aspect for him is that he will become a father for the first time.
Being in London for one of the stages of the UTS (Ultimate Tennis Show, the league founded by Patrick Mouratoglou), where he played the final against Alex de Minaur, Casper Ruud spoke on various topics for the Tennis Weekly Podcast, one of which was the fact that in 2026 he will become a father for the first time. his fiancee, Maria Galliganiis pregnant, with the two announcing the happy news in September.
“We're having a baby girl, I can't wait. It will be a very different year with more sleepless nights“, said the three-time Grand Slam finalist with a smile. Has he already received tips from players on the circuit who are already fathers? “I spoke a little with Lorenzo in TurinRuud pointed out, referring to Musetti.They already have their second child“, added the Italian and his partner, Veronica Confalonieri, becoming Leandro's parents on November 29. They also have a little boy, Ludovico, born on March 15, 2024.
Casper Ruud: “A kindergarten will have to be built”
“There are a lot of things happening, I think in five or six years there will be an invasion of children on the circuit, a kindergarten will have to be built,” laughed Casper. Several marriages were solemnized this year, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Alejandro Davidovich Fokinafollowed by his Sebastian Kordaso the Norwegian's prediction is not accidental.
Casper Ruud and his fiancee, Maria Galligani Photo: Instagram
Ranked 12th in the world at the end of 2025, he weighed in on his season, one that peaked in Madrid, where he captured his first Masters 1000 title, but also contained some bad moments.
“It wasn't what I hoped for, and when I say that, I mean when you've been in the Top 10 or higher, in the Top 8, and you've played in the ATP Finals, you have that on the horizon every year. I didn't make it this time, I was a backup. I went to Turin but didn't get to play, disappointing but that makes me even more motivated for next season, trying to get back there“, elaborated the Nordic.
2ATP titles conquered by Casper Ruud in 2025, in the Masters 1000 in Madrid and in Stockholm, ATP 250 tournament
“In the end, I won two tournaments and my biggest title in Madrid, so I can't be too disappointed. When I had my best, explosive year, 2022, I realized that I want that for every season, but also that there will be some ups and downs. I was ready for it, and in 2023 and 2024 I played well, after a longer preseason in which I prepared.”
Casper Ruud on grass: “I hope this aspect changes”
The Norwegian was also asked about the surface on which, at least for now, he has the worst results of his career, grass. If a contest in UTS was played on the green carpet, would they play or not? “I think so, why not?” was the spontaneous response of the former world number 2. He thought for a moment, then continued, “I think a joke I made about the grass was taken a bit wrong. I was more referring to my level on this surface, which is not very good.”
Casper Ruud in the UTS stage from London Photo: Imago Images
But Casper does not despair. “Sure, I want it to be better in the future because it's fun to play on grass, along with clay, it's a historic surface. Every time I enjoyed my time at Wimbledon, even if it wasn't too long. I hope this aspect changes“, said Ruud, who achieved his first victory at the All England Club in 2022, and this year he was absent, being injured.
