ITF

CASPER RUUD ITF World Spring 2022 25 "After all, 16 teams make the finals and if you are one of those teams it means that your country is one of the best 16 in the world. It wasn't to be on this occasion but going forward I believe we can do it." Like most aspects of Ruud's career, milestones arrived early, and he was only 15 when he made his Davis Cup debut during a World Group III showdown against Armenia in San Marino in 2015. "I remember that match," he added. "I was so nervous because I wanted to win my first Davis Cup match. Ever since, Davis Cup has been really important to me. Davis Cup weeks are fun weeks which get the team spirit going. "Tennis is a sport which is mostly quite lonely because you are out on court and travel by yourself. It is sometimes nice to have back- up from the team although I have chosen to play tennis for a reason. Tennis is an individual sport, which is what I prefer." Just as well. If Ruud is going to star under the Grand Slam spotlight this season as he hopes, he will have to do it all by himself. Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open await his talents. n Far le and middle: Ruud enjoyed a hugely produc ve 2021 season, during which he recorded his best Grand Slam result at the Australian Open and claimed five ATP tles. Chris an Ruud, his father and coach, remains a considerable influence Le : Ruud was a successful junior player and was the top-ranked boy on the planet during 2016. He is pictured here winning the Osaka Mayor's Cup in 2015, and spor ng bleached blonde hair at the 2016 ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals in Chengdu

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