Casper Ruud shows his middle finger to unsuspecting ATP rivals in hilarious Montreal prank

Saturday, 15 August 2026 at 08:30

Casper Ruud is back in Cincinnati trying to rebuild momentum after a disappointing Canadian Open campaign, but before returning to the practice courts the Norwegian found time for something very different: a perfectly executed prank on several of his fellow ATP players.

Ruud was eliminated in the third round in Montreal by Joao Fonseca in straight sets, with the Brazilian beating him for the second time in just a few months after also ending his Roland Garros run in the fourth round earlier this season.

The world No. 15 now turns his attention to the Cincinnati Open, where he opens against Christopher O’Connell and could even set up another meeting with Fonseca in the third round if both players advance.

The timing of the tournament is important for Ruud. He is not defending many ranking points over the next few weeks, and strong runs in Cincinnati and at the US Open could move him back toward the top 10 after spending a long stretch outside that group. For now, however, it was not his forehand or his ranking that had people talking, but a prank that showed a completely different side of the usually composed Norwegian.

Fake QR codes, fake VIP gifts, and one very clear message

The ATP shared a behind-the-scenes video from Montreal showing Ruud placing QR codes around the players’ VIP area with messages such as “Scan for a smile” and “VIP gifts for players.” The signs looked completely legitimate, and that was exactly why they worked.

One by one, players pulled out their phones and scanned the codes expecting some kind of tournament perk, hospitality benefit or promotional offer. Instead, they were greeted by a video of Ruud himself holding up his middle finger and smiling as the joke landed.

Among those caught by the prank were Arthur Fils, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Lorenzo Musetti, Zizou Bergs, Alex Michelsen and Corentin Moutet, with the reactions ranging from brief confusion to immediate laughter once they realized what had happened.

Fritz admits Ruud got him

The funniest reaction may have come from Fritz, who later commented on social media after the video was posted. “Probably the best prank I’ve had pulled on me here in a long time, but when the QR code magically appeared on the table next to me, I made my physio scan it.”

The detail that the American delegated the suspicious QR code to his physio only made the story better.

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The prank worked because it relied on something every player encounters constantly during tournament weeks. QR codes are used for transportation, scheduling, hospitality and player services, so scanning one in a tournament lounge hardly seemed unusual.

Ruud has long been known as one of the calmer personalities on tour, which made the joke even more unexpected. Rather than an elaborate setup, it was a simple idea executed with perfect timing and a straight face.

Whether Cincinnati brings a return to winning form remains to be seen, but the Norwegian has already secured one memorable victory this week — catching a collection of ATP rivals completely off guard with nothing more than a printed QR code and a very well-timed joke.

Casper. Being Ruud 😭

It’s the Fake QR Code ft @CasperRuud98 👻#OBN26 pic.twitter.com/aM5MV3xDWG
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 12, 2026

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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