Casper Ruud contested his first match on grass for two years on Thursday afternoon.
Ruud, the former world number two, was beaten by Ben Shelton at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic in West London.
After the match, Shelton told Tennishead that the professional circuit has become ‘unsustainable’ for players.
Ruud also spoke to Tennishead in Hurlingham, discussing his hopes for the grass-court season and his favourite player to watch on the circuit.
How underrated is Casper Ruud?
He's into another Masters 1000 final…
Casper Ruud names Carlos Alcaraz as his favourite player to watch
Ruud, perhaps understandably so, has often been left stunned by the shotmaking ability of Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard, who is currently recovering from a wrist injury suffered in April, was described by Ruud as an ‘explosive’ player.
The Norwegian star also highlighted Roger Federer as his favourite player to watch from the past.
“Present would be Alcaraz. We haven’t seen him in a few weeks or months, unfortunately.
“Past – probably [Roger] Federer.
“Alcaraz is just so explosive and I think he hits certain shots and gotten to certain shots and hit some incredible passing shots that I’ve really never seen before.
Carlos Alcaraz’s Grand Slam titles
- 2022 US Open: defeated Casper Ruud 6–4, 2–6, 7–6, 6–3 in the final
- 2023 Wimbledon: defeated Novak Djokovic 1–6, 7–6, 6–1, 3–6, 6–4 in the final
- 2024 Roland Garros: defeated Alexander Zverev 6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2 in the final
- 2024 Wimbledon: defeated Novak Djokovic 6–2, 6–2, 7–6 in the final
- 2025 Roland Garros: defeated Jannik Sinner 4–6, 6–7, 6–4, 7–6, 7–6 in the final
- 2025 US Open: defeated Jannik Sinner 6–2, 3–6, 6–1, 6–4 in the final
- 2026 Australian Open: defeated Novak Djokovic 2-6 6-2 6-3 7-5 in the final
“The way Roger just kind of danced around there and they could look so effortless and smooth was incredible when you know how difficult the game is,
“When you make something look that easy, It’s just beyond explanation really.”
After losing in West London, Ruud will turn his attention to Wimbledon.
The Norwegian has historically struggled at the event, failing to advance past the second round once in five attempts.
Ruud played his last match at the major event in 2024, where he lost in the second round to Fabio Fognini.
Ruud did not compete in the 2025 event due to a knee injury.
Casper Ruud’s record against Carlos Alcaraz
Ruud has only won one match against Carlos Alcaraz in seven attempts.
Alcaraz won their first four matches, triumphing in Marbella, Miami, New York, and Beijing.
Notably, Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title after beating Ruud in the 2022 US Open final.
Ruud recorded his first victory against the former world number one at the 2024 ATP Finals, winning 6-1, 7-6 in the round robin.
Since then, Alcaraz has continued to dominate the match-up, winning matches in Tokyo and Indian Wells.
“My first set was unplayable, to be honest,” Alcaraz said after beating Ruud 6-1, 7-6 at Indian Wells 2026.
“I’m just really happy about playing that kind of level. I’m really happy to get through and hopefully [I can] play at this level in the next round.
| Tournament | Winner | Score |
| 2026 Indian Wells | Carlos Alcaraz | 6-1 7-6 |
| 2025 Tokyo | Carlos Alcaraz | 3-6 6-3 6-4 |
| 2024 ATP Finals | Casper Ruud | 6-1 7-5 |
| 2023 Beijing | Carlos Alcaraz | 6-4 6-2 |
| 2022 US Open | Carlos Alcaraz | 6-4 2-6 7-6 6-3 |
| 2022 Miami | Carlos Alcaraz | 7-5 6-4 |
| 2021 Marbella | Carlos Alcaraz | 6-2 6-4 |
“I think I can have fun and enjoy, but I can also turn my mind and focus again. I try to play my best tennis on every point, but when a point deserves a smile, I gotta do that. That’s what happened today.
“Casper played some great points, and I had to enjoy that. That’s why we both play tennis.”
