“It’s probably best if you don’t answer that” Casper Ruud saves Holger Rune from tax question

Casper Ruud helped Holger Rune by interrupting his response during a press conference about taxes in Nordic countries. The three-time Grand Slam runner-up, who was recently involved in a controversy over the same issue, advised the Dane not to answer the question.

Both players are headlining the Nordic Battle, a two-part exhibition series. The first match took place in Norway, where Ruud emerged victorious, while the second is set for Denmark, where Rune will aim to force a tiebreaker.

Upon arriving in Copenhagen, the players held a press conference, during which Rune was asked about taxes. Like many other tennis players, Rune resides in Monaco, avoiding Denmark’s high tax burden. The question revolved around the challenges Danish athletes face living in a country with one of the highest tax rates in Europe.

Just before Rune could respond, Ruud interjected, advising him to avoid the topic. “It’s probably best if you don’t answer that. I don’t think you have to answer. You just have to do it like this…” he said, mimicking a zipping gesture over his mouth.

Ruud recently faced similar scrutiny when asked about Norwegian taxes during an interview with Dagens Industri in October, where he admitted he wasn’t a fan. “I have to admit that I have also thought about moving. There are very drastic tax increases that have been introduced in recent years. It definitely hurts to pay so much more in taxes,” he said.

He went on to criticise the Norwegian government: “I think it is a completely wrong way to go. They are shooting themselves in the foot and causing a lot of capital and people to flee the country.”

Ruud’s comments sparked significant backlash in Norway, even drawing responses from politicians. Eigil Knutsen of the Labour Party told Nettavisen: “Our community is based on us contributing according to our ability. This is how we provide good community solutions such as free school, free health care, and security for those who fall outside. The tax level in Norway is on par with countries we compare ourselves with. Among other things, tax on average wages in Norway is, for example, lower than in Germany, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and the Netherlands.”