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'Scandinavian surge' spurs Casper Ruud: "I can be a part of motivating younger players"

"It's fun to see that all the Scandinavian countries have one player," said the 23-year-old Norwegian, who hopes to keep growing the small but consistent tennis tradition in the region.

by_tagKamakshi Tandon

published_tag May 14, 2022

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WATCH: Casper Ruud defeats Denis Shapovalov in the 2022 Rome quartefinals.

There's a quiet 'Scandinavian surge' happening on the ATP Tour, says Casper Ruud, who wants to inspire other young players from the region.

The No.10 from Norway is the highest-ranked, but is joined by No.42 Holger Rune 19, from Denmark, No.61 Emil Ruusuvuori, 23 from Finland, and No.98 Mikael Ymer, 23, from Sweden. They all have been having a good season, giving each country a representative in the Top 100, and Ymer's older brother Elias is also in the Top 150 in the rankings.

"It's fun to see that all the Scandinavian countries have one player," said Ruud, 23, speaking to press in Rome this week. "Rune had an amazing year, won his first tournament. Ruusuvuori has played a final. Ymer has also been in the final of an ATP tournament. It's fun to see we all have one player each."

From Caroline Wozniacki to Jarkko Nieminen to Ruud's father Christian, who also played on tour, there has been a small but consistent tennis tradition in these Scandinavian nations. Sweden has been a powerhouse with champions like Bjorn Borg, Mats Wilander and Stefan Edberg, but its presence has dwindled in recent years.

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Ruud has reached a career-high world No. 7 ranking and has lifted seven ATP trophies.

Ruud has reached a career-high world No. 7 ranking and has lifted seven ATP trophies.

© Getty Images

Ruud adds that this current group can also help increase the sport's popularity and create more aspiring pros.

"I know in Norway it will maybe take some time before we have a new player on the ATP Tour," he said. "Hopefully, it can happen in the future and that I can be a part of motivating younger players in Norway, maybe also in Sweden, Denmark and Finland."

Ruud has won seven career titles. He'll take on world No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the Rome semifinals on Saturday.