Casper Ruud is not boring says former star in defence of ‘intelligent’ player

Norway’s top player Casper Ruud has been defended against claims that he plays a boring brand of tennis.

Ruud has been among the best players in the world consistently for the last two seasons or so, reaching three Grand Slam finals and staying in the top ten.

However, it has come up time and again on social media and elsewhere in discussions that Ruud is considered by some to be a boring player.

Former Wimbledon doubles champion Frederik Lochte Nielsen has rubbished those claims saying that Ruud is a delight to behold and his matches are a treat to watch because he plays smart tennis.

“I would in no way call Casper Ruud a boring tennis player,” Nielsen told SpilXperten.

“He is well-considered, and I’m also the kind of person who enjoys watching smart and intelligent tennis, which he does incredibly well.”

“Sure, he may not always be the most spectacular, but it’s also not productive to be spectacular just for the sake of it. If you only hit hard for the sake of hitting hard, then it doesn’t really matter.”

Nielsen believes that Ruud’s form makes a mockery of claims that he doesn’t have the game to be a big star.

He believes Ruud is set to get better and he could become the first Norwegian man to win a Grand Slam singles title.

“I certainly don’t believe that Casper Ruud’s playing style will be a disadvantage for him in his future endeavours,” the Dane added.

“It´s impossible to claim that when he has reached three out of the last five Grand Slam finals.”

“I think Casper Ruud is a really talented player, and I actually enjoy watching him, even if not every shot is spectacular. There is purpose behind everything he does.”

Ruud didn’t have the greatest campaign in 2023, missing out on the ATP Finals and finishing the year outside the top ten.

“It is always great to win a title,” Rublev said. “At the end of the day, we have to lose almost every week, so this is one of two titles this year. It is a special feeling and the final was played in tough conditions, but I was lucky to have them.

“Casper hits with spin a lot, to play high and with this weather the ball did not really jump high and I think it helped me a bit. On top of that I played really well today.”