Casper Ruud may have to walk away from Australian Open at any moment with Norwegian clear on his priorities at Melbourne Park

Casper Ruud won his opening match at the Australian Open in straight sets against Mattia Bellucci but the Norwegian is not sure whether he will still be around when the tournament finishes. Ruud's wife Maria is pregnant at home and is soon expecting the birth of their first child. "If she goes into labour I probably won't be here the next day," said Ruud, who plays Jaume Munar in the second round.

Ruud reveals he could leave Australian Open with wife Maria pregnant

Video credit: TNT Sports

Casper Ruud is seeking a deep run at the 2026 Australian Open - but could have to walk away from the Grand Slam at any moment.

The 12th seed eased through his opening match in Melbourne in straight sets against Mattia Bellucci.

But whether he will still be around when the tournament finishes might not just depend on his performances over the next fortnight.

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With wife Maria heavily pregnant at home and soon expecting their first child, Ruud might have to exit the Australian Open if he gets the call.

"I have to thank Maria for letting me go in the first place. I know she's at home resting, getting ready," said Ruud, who has made the French Open final twice and US Open final once.

"Except for when I'm playing a match, the ringer [on my phone] is on all hours of the day just in case.

"If she goes into labour I probably won't be here the next day. But that's the way it goes. There's more to life than just tennis, but I'm going to be here for as long as I can and as long as Maria lets me."

Ruud and wife Maria announced her pregnancy in September.

The former world No. 2 said ahead of the Australian Open that "I'm not just doing this for myself any more, and I have someone extra to play for."

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Video credit: SNTV

Ruud’s next opponent is Jaume Munar, who was beaten in five sets by the Norwegian a year ago.

"When I'm out here, I'm strictly focused on tennis," Ruud added after his first-round win.

"I went on court knowing nothing had happened, so I could focus.

"Hopefully, I can get to finish and play my matches with everything going well at home, and I can come back, and when I'll be back next year [for the Australian Open] I'll be a father."

Ruud’s best result at the Australian Open was reaching the fourth round in 2021 and last year he was beaten in the second round.

He is coached by his father Christian, who was also a professional tennis player.

But Casper says he won’t "push" his daughter to get into the sport.

"Let’s see if she wants to play tennis. I’m not going to push her to do anything, but if she is open for it, then I’m open for it.

"There are still many years, I have to focus on my own career at the moment. We will see. I hope she can play some sport. I have had great joy from sport as a kid and I hope she can find joy in it too."

Stream every match of the 2026 Australian Open live and on-demand on discovery+

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