"This year has been a big step for me" says Casper Ruud ahead of ATP Finals

It seemed like something impossible only a year ago but tremendous performances on all surfaces and consistency allowed Ruud to collect enough points to achieve those things. He got more and more comfortable as the year went on and it showed in his results. Speaking on that he said:

“This year has been a big step for me, I’ve got more comfortable on the big stage. This is one of the biggest stages on the ATP Tour. I feel more comfortable in this situation than before. I got to practise on centre court yesterday [at the Pala Alpitour]. The court feels good and I’m looking forward to Monday. I’m happy with the group I am in."

Ruud's favourite surface is clay and everybody knows that but this year he was able to elevate his play onto other surfaces as well. He scored several notable results on hard courts rarely allowing himself an early exit. Speaking about what allowed him to become a multi-surface player he said:

“I think the biggest change for me is my self-confidence and belief that I can play at this level is much higher. I am a guy that hasn’t played as much on the biggest stage. I’ve had a taste of it, but I’ve worked my way up slowly and steady. I hope players respect me a little more now than a year or two ago."

He further said:

“I think players chase that status, that players fear you. If you play Novak [Djokovic] or Rafa [Nadal] on clay, everyone knows it will be tough and you have to play your best game ever over three hours. If I can achieve a small percentage of that feeling I will be happy.”

Fighting for a place in Turin has been stressfull admitted the Norwegian so just being able to play will be a relief to him:

“There were a lot of nerves involved, and pressure. It’s my debut [in Turin], and I’d like to play at this event again, but for now I will enjoy the moment. I want to play my next three matches without pressure, because the last few months there has been almost too much pressure!”