"What a measured response" - Casper Ruud's comments on Saudi Arabia & controversy surrounding country impresses tennis insider

With the Six Kings Slam currently ongoing, Casper Ruud's comments about his absence from the exhibition tournament have impressed sports journalist Jon Wertheim. The tournament kicked off on Wednesday, October 16, and will run through October 19, 2024, featuring Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, and Carlos Alcaraz.

Ruud is currently competing at the Stockholm Open, and after his match against Lorenzo Sonego, where he won 6-3, 7-6 (3), he was asked by the press about missing the exhibition event. The Norwegian admitted that he did not receive an invitation for the Six Kings Slam but noted that he had previously declined due to the country's controversies.

“I didn't get an offer from the Six Kings Slam, but I've had offers in the past and I've chosen not to go, it is obviously a controversial country in terms of many things,” he said.

Ruud also said that sport could drive a change in Saudi Arabia.

“I might look very naive saying this because people will say that's just sports washing covering up what's actually going on, but if they never start anywhere I'm not sure if there will ever be a change so I've chosen not to go, buy it seems to me that it's inevitable that they will somehow be big in tennis in the future and they already have the next gen finals so let's see what the future brings," the Norwegian said.

On Thursday, Jon Wertheim responded to a post featuring the video of Casper Ruud explaining his reasons. Wertheim was impressed by Ruud's response, stating that despite not knowing the question was coming, he could answer it thoughtfully.

“Bear in mind, @CasperRuud98 didn't know this question was coming...agree or disagree or quibble, what a measured, reasonable response to a complicated issue....” Wertheim said

Casper Ruud and Tallon Griekspoor will face off in the quarterfinals of the Stockholm Open

Casper Ruud and Tallon Griekspoor at the 2024 United Cup (Image Source: Getty)

Casper Ruud and Tallon Griekspoor will battle for a place in the semifinals of the 2024 Stockholm Open on Friday. The duo are facing off on the ATP Tour for the third time in their careers.

Their first meeting was in the round of 16 at the 2021 Mexican Open, followed by a group stage match at the 2024 United Cup, with Ruud winning both encounters. The Norwegian has had a strong 2024 season, clinching titles at the Barcelona Open and Geneva Open. He also reached the finals at the Los Cabos Open, Mexican Open, Monte Carlo Masters, and made an impressive run to the semifinals of the French Open.

Griekspoor, on the other hand, had some of his best performances at the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam, where he reached the semifinals, and at the Geneva Open, where he made the quarterfinals.

Whoever out of Ruud and Griekspoor wins, will face either third seed Grigor Dimitrov or Dominic Stricker in the semifinals of the Stockholm Open.