Casper Ruud reveals Andrey Rublev nicknamed Felix Auger-Aliassime “Oxford” because the Canadian is always so well-spoken and well-mannered. Ruud, Rublev and Auger-Aliassime are all competing at this year’s ATP Finals.
“He is very nice, very humble, very well-spoken I would say. It was funny. We were here on Media Day on Saturday, I think. Andrey gave him a new nickname, which is ‘Oxford,’ because it seems like he is so well-educated.
I think if you go to Oxford College, it seems like you have a good education, are well-spoken. I think it’s a little bit funny name. It suits him well,” Ruud said.
Oxford. It’s sticking 😂
(via @asapsports) pic.twitter.com/JrCtlPzSlE — Oleg S.
(@AnnaK_4ever) November 13, 2022
Ruud off to a strong start in Turin
In his first Round Robin match, Ruud clashed Auger-Aliassime. Considering their form, Auger-Aliassime was the slight favorite going into the match. However, Ruud was able to deliver a strong performance and beat Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (4) 6-4.
Now, Ruud has put himself in a good position to make back-to-back ATP semifinals. In his next match, Ruud plays against Taylor Fritz. “I had a great start, just the way I needed to. [Winning in straight sets]. The next match is going to be tough no matter who I play, but at least I have a win in the bag.
I’m not going to try to relax, but I know that I don’t need to sort of stress or try to rush things to try to turn it around, so that’s hopefully a good thing. I’m not going to count on anything, I’m just going to focus on the next two matches and in a way pretend that this never happened.
So, I need to bring my A-game in the next two matches as well,” Ruud said. Ruud, who made his first two Grand Slam finals this year, is now hoping to finish his year with a maiden ATP Finals title.
