Norwegian Trailblazer Casper Ruud said he was ready for a big stage when he took the world number one Novak Djokovic in his debut match in the ATP final in Turin on Monday.
Ruud was the first player from Norway to qualify for the tournament eight elite players who increased to eighth place in the ATP rank behind the star season.
This 22-year-old child has won five ATP titles this year, all of them but one on clay, and has posted a victory against fellow Qualifying Turin Matteo Berrettini and Stefanos Tsitipas.
Djokovic’s five-time champion presented a fire baptism at Alpitour Pala but Ruud insisted he now felt comfortable competing in the largest arena in the world.
“This year has been a big step for me, I got more comfortable on the big stage,” Ruud told reporters.
“This is one of the biggest stages on the ATP tour.” The court felt good and I looked forward to Monday.
I’m happy with the group in the world, “Ruud said.” He knows the routine and has won the event many times.
He almost won four majors this year, and there was only one player who stopped him.
“I did watch the US Open Final, so I could ask DanIil (Medvedev) how he beat him! Novak is a full player with almost no weaknesses.
I will try and enjoy that moment, but I know it’s a difficult task in front of Monday.
” Ruud sealed his place in Turin at the Paris Master this month and said that released some pressure after months of rating and watching his rival.
“There are many nerves involved, and pressure,” he said.
“It’s my debut (in Turin), and I want to play on this event again, but for now I will enjoy this time.” I want to play the next three matches without pressure, because the last few months have happened too much pressure! “