Casper Ruud hopeful for success next year after near misses in 2022

Casper Ruud admitted he was disappointed with losing some big finals in 2022 but also looked to focus on the positives ahead of next season.

Ruud, the world number three, saw his ranking reach a high of number two in the world while he also won four ATP tour titles and made two Grand Slam finals.

Nevertheless, the Norwegian fell to defeat at the French and US Open finals, to Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz. He would also lose in his only Masters 1000 final to date, in Miami to Alcaraz and the final of the World Tour Finals to Novak Djokovic on Sunday.

‘’In the end it’s been disappointing to end up losing these big finals,’’ Ruud said as he looked back on his season. ‘’Overall, if you gave me an offer to end the year at No. 3, play the finals that I’ve played, I would probably sign the contract right away.’’

Ruud was surprised by his run in Turin last week, considering his poor form heading into the event and his struggles playing indoors in the past.

‘’This result for me is maybe one of the most surprising, finishing this year here on a blistering fast indoor hard court, making the final – not something that I found very likely,’’ he said.

The Norwegian missed this year’s Australian Open with an ankle injury and is looking forward to returning in January with no ATP points to defend.

‘’There will be a lot of points and results for me to defend. I hope I can do that and achieve even more. That’s not going to be easy because this year I’ve done very well in certain tournaments, but I will try my best.’’

Casper Ruud finishes this season with a 51-22 tour level record.

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