Casper Ruud: Personal Life, Family & Tennis Facts

There’s something about watching a tennis player who seems almost too calm to be a world No. 2. Casper Ruud, the Norwegian with a heavy topspin forehand and a habit of wearing a nasal strip, doesn’t fit the loud competitor mold, but beneath the quiet demeanor lies a story of family, fatherhood, and quirks that make him one of the most intriguing figures on tour today.

Age: 26 (born 22 December 1998) ·
Career-High Ranking: No. 2 ·
ATP Titles: 14 ·
Prize Money: $21 million+ ·
Relationship Status: Married to Maria Galligani

Casper Ruud’s core facts show a player who built his career methodically, but the personal details reveal a richer story. Here are the key numbers.

The pattern: a top-10 player who built his career on steady, deliberate progress rather than flash.

Is Casper Ruud in a relationship?

Who is Casper Ruud’s significant other?

Casper Ruud is married to Maria Galligani, a fashion influencer and model with a background in sports management. The couple tied the knot in 2023 and made the announcement on social media. Maria frequently travels to tournaments and has been photographed supporting him from the stands. According to the ATP Tour (official player bio), Ruud has often credited his family — including his wife — for keeping him grounded.

When did Casper Ruud get married?

Ruud and Galligani married in 2023, a low-key ceremony that the Norwegian shared with fans on Instagram. The relationship had been rumored for years, but the couple kept details private until the wedding. Ruud told reporters that marrying Maria gave him a sense of stability off the court — a key factor, he said, in his consistent performances that season.

The implication: having a stable home life has directly bolstered his on-court consistency.

Why does Casper Ruud wear a nose ring?

The real reason behind the nasal strip

Many fans have noticed the small adhesive strip on Ruud’s nose during matches and assumed it was a nose ring. It’s not — it’s a nasal strip designed to open the nasal passages. During the 2025 Dallas Open, Ruud addressed the curiosity head-on. In an interview, he explained, “It helps me breathe better,” adding that he had used it for several seasons and considers it a personal performance aid. Tennis.com (tennis news outlet) captured the full explanation.

Does the nasal strip help his breathing?

While not a medical device, nasal strips are commonly used by athletes to reduce airflow resistance. Ruud’s usage has drawn comparisons to Carlos Alcaraz, who also wears a similar strip. The Tennis.com (tennis news site) noted that Ruud’s debut in Dallas with the strip quickly became a talking point among fans and analysts. The consensus: if it gives him an edge, even a small one, it’s worth keeping.

Where does Ruud live?

Does Casper Ruud live in Norway or abroad?

Casper Ruud resides in Oslo, Norway, where he was born on 22 December 1998. His home club is Snarøya Tennisclub, according to his official website (personal site). Unlike many top players who relocate to tax-friendly Monaco, Ruud has stayed close to his roots. He does, however, train periodically in Barcelona, Spain, where the weather and training facilities offer a change of pace during the European winter.

Why does he train in Barcelona?

Barcelona is a hub for tennis training, with Rafa Nadal’s academy and numerous clay courts. Ruud has been spotted practicing there during off-season blocks. Though he values his Oslo base, the flexibility to train abroad is part of his professional routine. The pattern: a Norwegian who loves home but knows when to move for performance.

The pattern: Ruud’s choice to remain in Norway, despite the tax incentives elsewhere, signals a strong commitment to his homeland and family network.

Is Casper Ruud having a kid?

When is the baby due?

Yes, Casper Ruud and his wife Maria are expecting their first child. The couple announced the pregnancy via Facebook in early 2025. An ATP Tour feature (official tennis body) from 2026 confirmed that they are expecting a daughter. The exact due date has not been publicly shared, but the ATP story indicates the birth was imminent at the time of the 2026 Australian Open.

How has Casper Ruud announced the pregnancy?

Ruud made the announcement with a post on Facebook, writing that he and Maria were “so happy to share that we are expecting a baby.” The post was covered by ATP Tour (official tennis body) and quickly spread across tennis media. In subsequent interviews, Ruud spoke openly about fatherhood, calling it a new chapter that would shift his perspective on the tour.

The catch: fatherhood adds a new dimension to an already demanding career schedule.

What does Maria Galligani do?

What is Maria Galligani’s profession?

Maria Galligani is a fashion influencer and model based in Norway. She has a background in sports management, which helps her understand the demands of Ruud’s career. According to profile coverage on Olympics.com (Olympic movement site), she frequently travels to tournaments and has been a visible presence at his matches.

Is Maria involved in tennis?

While not a professional in tennis, Maria is deeply involved in Ruud’s support system. She manages aspects of his personal schedule and often appears in his social media content. The couple’s dynamic is one of mutual support — she brings business sense and style, he brings the tennis.

The pattern: together, Ruud and Galligani have built a brand that feels authentic, not manufactured.

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