Norway’s Casper Ruud says he “probably won’t be here the next day” if his wife goes into labour during the Australian Open.
Maria is heavily pregnant with their first child, a daughter.
Ruud, the 12th seed, beat Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1 6-2 6-4 in the first round in Melbourne on Monday.
“I have to thank Maria for letting me go in the first place. I know she’s at home resting, getting ready,” he said.
“Except for when I’m playing a match, the ringer is on all hours of the day just in case.
“There’s more to life than just tennis, but I’m going to be here for as long as I can and as long as Maria lets me.”
Ruud has travelled with his family for years, and his father Christian, a former player, is his coach.
“I know for a fact that if everything goes well, the next time I’ll leave my house I will have another person at home,” Ruud told the ATP Tour website., external
“She’ll be very little and small, but she’ll be there, and I hope to bring her and my wife Maria to the tournaments together and be a happy family travelling around.
“I’m not just doing this for myself any more. I have someone extra to play for.”
Ruud will face Spain’s Jaume Munar in the second round on Wednesday.
