Ruud takes on the mood of a parent before Alcaraz matchup: diapers, FaceTime and more | ATP Tour
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Rudd takes on the mood of a parent before Alcaraz showdown: Diapers, FaceTime and more
Former world number two reflects on early experiences as a father
March 10, 2026
ATP Tour/Getty Images
Casper Ruud became a father for the first time in January.
Andrew Eikenholz
Casper Ruud will face world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz at the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday. But whatever the outcome, the Norwegians are already victors.
Less than two months ago, Luther and his wife Maria welcomed their first child, a daughter. Despite returning to the ATP Tour, Rudd remains steadfast in the moment of his birth and the emotion of that moment.
“That’s a lifelong memory that I’ll probably remember forever,” Ruud told ATPTour.com. “I did change a few diapers in the beginning and it felt like I was really entering the first phase of fatherhood and having to learn some different things. But we got there in the end.
“It took a while but I would say changing a nappy is something that touches you and just being there is incredible, really.”
Maria and her daughter’s daily life is different from that of Luther, who is now competing again on the other side of the world. But the former PIF ATP No. 2 will make sure to stay in touch with his new-growing family.
“We FaceTime as much as we can. You call home anyway, but now there’s an extra reason to call home, and when I miss them in the evening or in the morning, I try to call and see if I can see the two of them,” Rudd said. “But seeing her through the screen was extra special.”
Ruud’s father and coach, Christian Ruud, was 26 when Casper was born. Casper, now 27, is leaning on his parents for advice as he navigates this new chapter in his life.
“My parents are still young, so they’ve been trying to coach me and Maria,” Rudd said. “But it requires you to learn on your own and not have everything handed to you on a silver platter. You may have to fail a few times to get it right. But so far I don’t think I’ve failed at anything, but there’s probably going to be a lot of daddy failures in the years to come.”
For now, Ruud will focus on earning his second Lexus ATP head-to-head victory over Alcaraz (1-5). The Norwegian can end the world number one’s perfect 14-0 start to the season and claim his biggest win as a father.
