The Laver Cup is drawing to an end but Norwegian star Casper Ruud is having fun being part of a team again. Ruud is currently in Vancouver, representing Team Europe. He has become a veteran of sorts, given this is the third time he is participating in the event. And as with any team sport, Ruud is seeing a different side of his usual opponents.
The beauty of the tournament is that players who normally would not play together, are fighting for the same trophy. Besides Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Hubert Hurkacz, Gael Monfils, and others are also playing together.
In a recent interview for the tournament, Team Europe appeared for a press conference. Rublev and Ruud were involved in a hilarious exchange, as the teammates took part in gentle ribbing.
Team Europe is ready🎾💪🇪🇺🇪🇺 #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/5U9bf9ijqT
— Casper Ruud (@CasperRuud98) September 21, 2023
Ruud opened up about the pros of the event. He spoke of how anyone from Europe can be teammates, unlike the Davis Cup, where players team up with their countrymen. Casper also spoke about forming a connection with the other players and breaking barriers between themselves.
When Casper noticed that Rublev was zoning out, he put Andrey on the spot. “You have to learn all the good and all the bad sides of your teammates… Especially Andrey!” he said (via Tennis.com).
Casper: you get to know all the good and all the bad sides of your teammates especially Andrey
Andrey: I forgot the question but I’m not agree with Casper 💀 pic.twitter.com/YXnwbFMB4G— Irina (@atpobsessed) September 21, 2023
Feeling the spotlight on him, Rublev replied that he had forgotten the question. With a laugh, he further added that he did not agree with whatever Ruud had said.
Team Europe need this camaraderie to work in their favor if they want to win the Laver Cup. Their outing has not been memorable at all, as Team World demolished them on Day 1 and 2.
Team Europe vs. Team World at this year’s Laver Cup
The Laver Cup has been a one-sided affair so far with Team World dominating their matchups. They enjoyed a 4-0 clean sweep on the first day. However, the arguments between Monfils and Felix Auger-Aliassime overshadowed the first day’s play.
Team World extended their lead to 10-2 on the second day. Ruud was the only player to secure a win for Team Europe, as he defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets.
Team Europe make their mark ✍️
Ruud secures the team’s first win of the tournament with a 7-6, 6-2 win against Paul🔥@LaverCup | #LaverCup pic.twitter.com/aoTTMUyoG8
— ATP Tour (@atptour) September 24, 2023
Frances Tiafoe defeated Hurkacz in straight sets. Taylor Fritz was also able to score a straight-set win over Rublev on the second day. Fritz was flawless with his serves, as he was motivated to win it for Team World.
The final day at the Laver Cup will be exciting as Team World is just a whisker away in the race to 13 points. They will give it their all to win the Cup unless Team Europe can put up some resistance.