Casper Ruud spoke positively about the opportunity to speak with father and coach Christian Ruud during a tennis match.

Ruud was speaking to the press after his victory over Swede Elias Ymer in the Roland-Garros first round in Paris on Tuesday.

– Very good to get through the first match in three straight sets. Last year, a long, tough four-set match (against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga) lasted nearly four hours, and today only lasted two. I will spend the day and tomorrow preparing physically for the next match, Ruud told NTB after the win over Ymer.

At the press conference, he was also asked about the new pace of the ATP tour that was introduced last summer. Players can chat briefly with their coaches when they are on the same side as them. Previously, the tour could crack down on any form of contact between players and coaches.

According to Ruud, it’s good to be able to chat briefly with the coaching staff before and after points. Christian’s dad is on team worldwide number four.

– It hasn’t changed much, I guess. It’s easier to communicate if there’s something the coach wants to know from you or that you want from him. After all, you never know what your opponent will do and they can always change tactics, said Ruud and added:

– It’s great to get positive feedback now because it’s legal and you don’t have to be afraid of being punished.

The 24-year-old says conversations can sometimes be more on the tactical side. This applies especially if you meet well-known players with dedicated or strong servers.

– Sometimes I ask them if they think I should stand a little further back in the lane on my way back. Most of it is just simple feedback, says Ruud.

(© NTB)