Casper Ruud says that he is motivated to put an end to his wait for a title above the ATP 250 level.
Ruud has lost three Grand Slam finals, an ATP Finals championship match and the 2022 Miami Masters final but has never reached the championship match at an ATP 500 tournament.
He will have a crack at that in Hamburg this week, but coming off a loss in the Nordea Open final last week, Ruud is not thrilled with the surface at the Am Rothenbaum.
He was heard complaining to the umpire during his three-set victory over Sebastian Baez in the round of 16.
“Worst clay court I’ve played on all year on the tour,” Ruud protested.
Ruud was calmer after the match but admitted it was a tough ask to get beyond a player like Baez first up.
“It was really tough,” Ruud said.
“Sebastian is a great fighter. He has taken big steps in the past year, so it was always going to be a tough challenge. It takes a little time to adjust to new conditions. Today we had to play indoors under the roof, so it makes a difference on clay. It makes it a lot more humid and the balls are heavier, it took a while to adjust.
“I started well but the second set was not great, but I fought hard in the last and I am happy to be through.”
Ruud isn’t too bothered that all ten of his career titles to date have
“I’m sitting here with 10 titles and all 250, I wouldn’t say it bothers me.
Obviously I also want to try to win a bigger and more important title, it’s something I won’t hide,” Ruud said.
“That’s why we’re working hard to get to the finals and then take them home. You are remembered more if you manage to win the closing acts, not lose them.
“I hope it’s just a matter of time, I’ll keep working hard.”
Ruud admitted that the weather was an added challenge when visiting Hamburg.
“It’s great to be back,” Ruud said ahead of his first match in Hamburg.
“I’ve been here a couple of times before and always enjoyed. It’s a bit colder this year than what it typically is. And I think Andrey and I, we brought the rain from Sweden all the way here today,” Ruud said. “So hopefully the rest of the week is going to clear up and be a good week for everyone.”
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