– It will be an interesting tournament for me. Like you said, I’m the 2nd seed in the tournament, which is a little unreal. It seemed impossible last year when I sat here a year ago and withdrew from the tournament, Ruud told NTB before the start of the tournament on Tuesday.

Last year, Ruud played in two Grand Slam finals, and despite losing in both, the Norwegian gained important experience. A very tough opposition awaits in Melbourne if he is to go ahead. Ruud’s point in particular is for Grand Slam specialists Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, as well as Russian Daniil Medvedev.

– Even though I’m the 2nd seed, I don’t always see myself as one of the biggest favorites to win. There are still many stars and other big cannons here like Djokovic, Nadal and Medvedev. I’ve never been seeded this high at a Grand Slam before, so it’s great fun, of course.

Czech resistance

It is 22-year-old Tomas Machac from the Czech Republic who will be Ruud’s first opponent. The two had never met before.

Machac is ranked number 115 in the world. Ruud, on the other hand, is the number three and second seed in Melbourne because world number one Carlos Alcaraz is injured.

– He is quite a young player. Every match at this level is tough Ruud said of his opponent.

At the press conference, the Norwegian was also asked about what it’s like to not only believe in, but prove to yourself that success is possible.

– It’s not that different, to be honest. I try to stay humble and know that I probably won’t be playing two Grand Slam finals every year for the rest of my career. I’d love to do it, and I’ll give it a try, but it’s unlikely that it will happen, said Ruud.

Fourth round

Last year he had to withdraw after injuring his ankle the day before the start of the tournament. He said he would be very satisfied if he touched his best Australian Open result.

– A lot has changed since I resigned last year. The resistance is so good that I can’t expect to do well every time I play. The quarter-finals are a great result. Round four is my best result so far, and if I get there I will be more than satisfied, but at the same time there is confidence to go further, Ruud concluded.

If the Norwegian makes it to the final, she will become world number one.