Daddy’s home Ruud out, but can fly back in time for birth

Casper Ruud endured a frustrating 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 defeat against Ben Shelton in the fourth round , but the silver lining of the three-time grand slam finalist’s loss is that he will finally be able to return home.

- Tumaini Carayol

Ruud, the 12th seed, has had one eye on events back home during his time in Melbourne owing to the fact that his wife, Maria, is pregnant with their first child and is due to give birth this weekend. Ruud had stated repeatedly that he would withdraw and immediately begin the long journey home to Norway if she went into labour during the tournament.

Ruud said last week: “She’s due later in the tournament, so we’ll see. It’s not until the final weekend of the tournament, the due date. It’s nota guarantee that you’ll make it there but you never know, she can come earlier. If I get the call, if she goes into labour ’lljump on the first flight home for sure.”