Casper Ruud Confirms Tournament Return After Becoming Dad

Norwegian tennis star to compete at BNP Paribas Open and Millennium Estoril Open after welcoming first child

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Casper Ruud has announced his return to competitive tennis following the birth of his daughter in January 2026. The Norwegian player will compete at the prestigious BNP Paribas Open in March and the Millennium Estoril Open in July, where he previously won his 10th ATP title. Ruud took time off to cherish his new role as a parent, supported by the ATP's new parental exemption rule that protects players' rankings and fines when missing events due to the birth or adoption of a child.

Why it matters

Ruud's return to the tour after becoming a father highlights the growing recognition of players' family commitments in professional tennis. The ATP's new parental exemption policy provides flexibility for players like Ruud to balance their personal and professional lives, which can positively impact their performance and longevity in the sport.

The details

Ruud, currently holding a 4-3 win-loss record for the 2026 season, will make his comeback at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March. He then plans to compete at the Millennium Estoril Open in July, an event he cherishes after winning his 10th ATP title there three years ago. Ruud praised the tournament's atmosphere and expressed enthusiasm about returning to the clay courts of the Estoril Tennis Club.

  • Ruud welcomed his daughter on January 30, 2026.
  • Ruud missed the 2026 Nexo Dallas Open ATP 500 event to focus on family time.
  • Ruud withdrew from Norway's Davis Cup tie against Great Britain in early February 2026 to prioritize family.
  • Ruud is scheduled to compete at the BNP Paribas Open from March 1-15, 2026.
  • Ruud is scheduled to compete at the Millennium Estoril Open from July 18-26, 2026.

The players

Casper Ruud

A Norwegian tennis player who has won 10 ATP titles, including the Millennium Estoril Open in 2023.

Maria Galligani

Casper Ruud's wife, with whom he welcomed their first child in January 2026.

Ben Shelton

An American tennis player who defeated Casper Ruud in the fourth round of the 2026 Australian Open.

Miomir Kecmanovic

A Serbian tennis player whom Casper Ruud defeated in the final of the 2023 Millennium Estoril Open.

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What they’re saying

“I'm very excited to return to the Millennium Estoril Open this summer. It's a new date, it's summer in Cascais, and I can't wait to come back.”

— Casper Ruud (Instagram)

“I won the 10th ATP title of my career in Portugal three years ago, so that trophy ended up having special meaning for me. I said Estoril would have my vote for best ATP 250 tournament on the circuit, and that's one of the reasons I'm returning.”

— Casper Ruud (Instagram)

“I really like the event, the people who organise it, and the Portuguese fans as well.”

— Casper Ruud (Instagram)

“I feel great. It's my first time in Estoril and first time lucky, I guess.”

— Casper Ruud (Instagram)

“It's been quite some months since I won my last title, so it's very important.”

— Casper Ruud (Instagram)

What’s next

Ruud's next scheduled tournament is the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, from March 1-15, 2026, marking his return to high-level play after becoming a father.

The takeaway

Casper Ruud's decision to prioritize family time after the birth of his daughter, supported by the ATP's new parental exemption policy, highlights the growing recognition of players' personal commitments in professional tennis. His eagerness to return to the court, particularly at the Millennium Estoril Open where he has found past success, suggests a renewed focus and passion that could fuel an exciting season ahead.