“This is fake news”: Casper Ruud hits back at reports over alleged comments on Alcaraz and Sinner

Casper Ruud called out supposed false news surrounding his quotes about Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, amidst criticism of the busy schedule. The 3-time Grand Slam finalist accused some media outlets of reporting a fake quote from him after winning the Stockholm Open.

The Norwegian had a remarkable week in Sweden in his return to the European indoor hardcourts, claiming the 14th title of his career, and only his second on hardcourts. The Norwegian added his second title of the season, after lifting the trophy at the Madrid Open—his first Masters 1000—in May of this year.

Ruud, 26, overcame a difficult draw in Stockholm, where he defeated Marin Čilić (No. 92), Sebastian Korda (No. 60), Denis Shapovalov (No. 23), and Ugo Humbert (No. 25)—a run where he only conceded one set in the victory against Korda in the quarter-finals.

After the tournament, several media outlets reproduced a supposed quote from Ruud, in which he drew a distinction between Alcaraz and Sinner, and the rest of the Tour, regarding recovering from defeats. "It's harder for the other (players), because we don't win as many (matches) as they (Alcaraz and Sinner) do. Bouncing back after defeats every week is a challenge,” the Norwegian allegedly said, according to media outlet TNT Sports—the owner of the transmission rights for Roland Garros.

However, Ruud took to social media to deny the reports, responding to a user who exposed the situation online. “Official account of one of the biggest broadcasters posts a fake quote generated by one trash website and then disseminated by a dozen other trash websites. Great job, guys!”

Ruud reposted the original post on his X account. “As @AnnaK_4ever knows, I never said what TNT Sports claim I said. Video of the real quote is out there somewhere. This is #fakenews”

Ruud had effectively been asked about the demanding ATP calendar, and he responded by comparing his schedule to those of Alcaraz and Sinner. “In my case this year I had a longer break in the summer which has led to me maybe having a little extra energy at this time of the year,” said Ruud. “I think when you look at Carlos’s year this year it is pretty unique. He has played many matches and it still seems like he has joy and continues to go."

“Of course, there are two tournaments left for him. But other than him there is not that many that get to play 60, 70 or 80 matches. I think when you get to that level, when you are looking at 50, 60, 70+ matches a year, it gets quite demanding at the end. But except for him and maybe Sinner, who does well every single week, we all have our hiccups and losses where we get to go home.”

“But it really helped for me this year to have a longer break in the summer and grow the hunger for the remainder of the year. I was not able to peak or play great as soon as I came back but now I feel like I have more motivation and inspiration in my game towards the end of the season.”

The World No. 11 this week extended his winning streak to five, after comfortably defeating Quentin Halys in his Swiss Indoors Basel debut. The Norwegian still has a live chance to qualify for the ATP Finals—still 650 points behind 8th place Lorenzo Musetti, although with a good campaign in Vienna and then the Paris Masters next week, he can still add his name at the last minute to Turin.