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Tennis Laver Cup

Laver Cup 2023: 'I know Roger is watching' - Casper Ruud wowed by 'extra special' fans in Federer and Coldplay

ByDan Quarrell

Updated 24/09/2023 at 11:13 GMT+1

It has not been an easy weekend so far for Team Europe as Bjorn Borg's side have struggled against Team World in Vancouver in the 2023 edition of the Laver Cup. Casper Ruud did, however, deliver Team Europe's first win at the event on Saturday as the Norwegian beat USA's Tommy Paul 7-6(6) 6-2 in front of former team leader Roger Federer, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and other stars.

'When Roger is in the stands, you want to deliver' - Ruud on getting Team Europe's first win

Video credit: SNTV

Team Europe star Casper Ruud has spoken about the pressure and privilege of having the great Roger Federer watching him play at the 2023 Laver Cup on Saturday.

The Norwegian, who has endured a surprisingly tough season up to this point, managed to defeat Team World's Tommy Paul in straight sets, 7-6(6) 6-2, to give Bjorn Borg's side their first victory of an event they have generally not excelled in so far.

Team World, captained by another tennis legend in John McEnroe, hold a commanding 10-2 lead ahead of all the action on day three with 13 points required for an outright victory in an event Team Europe dominated for years prior to their defeat in London last year.

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Ruud rose to the occasion in producing the goods in his singles match with Paul, despite his team's struggles overall, and he did not let the attention get the better of him as he held centre stage with many stars in the audience.

The 24-year-old from Oslo shone on the court in front of former team leader Roger Federer, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and other big names in attendance at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver - something he was later very proud of.

"Yes, it was," Ruud answered when asked if his victory felt extra important with his team under the cosh and as one of the leaders of Team Europe.

"I don't know if I'm the leader or not. I think Bjorn is the leader. He is our captain. It's great to play besides Bjorn.

"You know, when Roger is in the stands, it's extra special. You want to deliver. You want to play well. I tried to learn from last year. You know, wasn't easy.

Highlights: Ruud gets Team Europe on the board with Paul win

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I was like a kid in the candy store being around the greatest, one of the four greatest players ever," he continued, reflecting on Federer's emotional farewell at the event in London.

"That was like one of the most fun weeks for me. I was really excited to be back in Europe. A different team, but we're young and we're strong, and we're ready for the rest of the weekend."

Taylor Fritz of Team World was also asked about having such big names in attendance for his matches, with NBA legends Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki helping to conduct a pre-match coin toss.

"I actually didn't realise they were here until after the match," he admitted. "I try not to look into the crowd too much.

'Why not one day!' – Federer 'open' to being Team Europe captain at Laver Cup

Video credit: TNT Sports

"But I know Roger is watching, so I think that's always something that is really cool is after I get off the court, especially since I played a good match,

"I'm, like, it pumps me up a lot knowing someone like Roger and those guys, that they're watching, watching me play, and I'm happy that I played well."

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