I’m a three-time Grand Slam finalist looking to win Wimbledon… the only problem is I’m allergic to grass
THE fight is on for Wimbledon’s men’s players to stop Novak Djokovic equalling Roger Federer’s eight titles at the All-England Club.
Such is the tightness of the Serb’s grip on the title that Andy Murray is the only other player in the draw to have won it.
That means that just about any victor other than Djokovic would be quite a big outsider.
And one man looking to upset the odds is Casper Ruud.
The Norwegian has reached two French Open finals and one US Open final.
But he has barely been able to hide his lack of comfort on grass, claiming last year that the surface was for playing golf rather than tennis.
And before this year’s tournament, he elaborated on the reasons why he has so far never been able to get past the Wimbledon second round.
He told Barbara Schett during an episode of Ruud Talk: “I’m already itching in my eyes because I’m actually allergic to grass!
“I’m going to have to start taking allergy pills again. It was a late night at the golf course so I’m already feeling it this morning.”
He added: “People probably think that I’m not taking it very seriously.
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“But I actually do want to do well. You just kind of have to prioritize with scheduling because after Wimbledon is pretty hectic.
“It’s a long summer; I have a lot to try and defend, like the finals of the US Open at the end of the North American swing.
“I was also chosen to play Laver Cup, and then we go to Asia for many weeks.
“But Wimbledon is obviously so big. Every time you go, it feels royal and historic, so I obviously want to try and perform well.”
Clay court specialist Ruud was beaten in straight sets by Rafael Nadal in last year’s French Open final and by Novak Djokovic in this year’s final at Roland Garros.
The closest he came to winning a Grand Slam however, was on a hard court, as he was beaten in four sets by Carlos Alcaraz in last year’s US Open final.