2022 was a huge success for the Snarøya players. 44 wins, just 16 losses, three titles and two Grand Slam finals are early results. This has sent him to 2nd place in the world rankings. Almost two weeks ago there was a loss in the US Open final to Carlos Alcaraz.

15 tournaments remain in the season this year, all on hard courts, and most indoors. The first was the Laver Cup where Ruud was in a team with stars like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Ruud opened the tournament this afternoon with a game against American Jack Sock indoors in London.

Eurosport expert Christer Francke explains how tennis is played indoors:

– There’s been a bit of a nuisance. Inside, the air is fresh and predictable. Against the roof, it’s easier to see the ball, and serve faster. The ball moves constantly, and it’s easier to apply one tactic on both sides of the net. No need to adapt the game to the tailwind or the sun. There will be more speed, Francke told NTB.

Ruud has become more of a man with a strong and precise forehand. This season, the 23-year-old has won points at the net, with spectacular backhands, dropshots and lobs. This is especially useful when the game is running faster.

“Approach” punch

– I got better service and returns, which is important. I have quite a lot of things I can improve on, Ruud told NTB.

And if there’s one thing, it’s the so-called “approach” stroke, according to Francke.

– It might be wrong to “catch” him on something, but it’s about attacking punches when you have to get in the net, says Francke.

– He has improved, but there is still some work to do.

It’s something you’ve seen legend Federer do for years. Switzerland retires after the Laver Cup.

– Can never finish the game

Ruud himself was aware of his own points for improvement.

– I can get better at leveling and a little bit more at the net, says the Norwegian tennis player.

– In the final against Alcaraz (US Open), I think I won about 16 points in front of the net. It works, it shows. We’ll see if I can develop the game more in the coming weeks and months, continued Ruud.

– Can it sacrifice what you’re already good at?

– I will always keep practicing what I’m good at and try to be even better. You have to improve all the time, replied Ruud.

– That’s what’s great about tennis: you can never finish the game like you can with video games. You just have to play your best. I will train a lot on the other side too,” he added.

– Clean, simple

Viktor Durasovic, who was Ruud’s Davis Cup teammate, backed Francke to improve his approach stroke with the world number two.

– I’ve said I relatively agree with that. Maybe he’s trying to feel a little more secure online, quite simply, he told NTB.

– But it’s easy to tell when he is number two in the world and has played two GS finals. The only thing you can dream of is that you actually won the last game. Otherwise, there’s not much to say, said Durasovic.

Francke is pleased with Ruud’s development.

– He has improved a lot. He’s much tougher when he comes in and passes. He took a lot on the defensive and made more spectacular shots. He had become more complete and had more answers, Francke analyzed.