Boris Becker tells Norwegian fans: Casper Ruud is the best you have, so give him time

Boris Becker knows what it feels like to carry the hopes of an entire nation on his young shoulders. The German legend has been upfront about how he has struggled with fame after winning back-to-back Wimbledon titles in 1985 and 1986 while he was still a teenager. So much so that after he lost his second round match at the 1987 Wimbledon Championships, Becker told a stunned press in London,  "I lost a tennis match, it wasn't a war - nobody died out there."

Now, the German has some advice for tennis fans in Norway, who are building their hopes of tennis glory on the young shoulders of Casper Ruud.

In an interview to Nettavisen, Becker says Ruud has made steady progress on the professional circuit but warned of putting too much pressure on the 21 year old.

"The jump he has made in the rankings is already very good. As an 18-year-old, he was seen as the next big one, so he went on some speed bumps, and that is completely normal. Junior tennis is very different from professional tennis, especially the mental part. Men handle pressure differently than juniors."

Boris Becker hopes Norwegians give Casper Ruud time to progress

Ruud is through to the second round of the US Open currently - he defeated American Mackenzie McDonald in the first round in five sets and will take on another 21 year old Emil Ruusuvuori, of Finland, for a place in the third round.

"Stay away from his back, Norway. He's the best you can have, so give him time and do not expect him to win his opening match this week (the interview was published prior to his first round win). Just support him and enjoy the progress he has."

While Becker says that Ruud does have the talent to go far, he was cautious to make any predictions about his future. "He is clearly talented, but I am always careful to predict anything, because there is so much that can happen on the way to the top. Injuries or other disturbances can affect a player at such a young age. As soon as the players have reached the top ten or top five, they will not give up their place there. They have fought very hard to get there. New ones who want to come in must be better over a longer period of time. One or two good weeks make no difference."

Boris Becker is a six-time Grand Slam champion and now commentates on the game for Eurosport. Casper Ruud is ranked No. 37 in the world and has a career-best ranking of No. 34  - which makes him the highest ranked Norwegian player in ATP history, surpassing the previous record of World No. 39 held by his own father, Christian Ruud

(Quotes translated by Google Translate)

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2QV0sQW