With the Australian Open set to begin this weekend, Casper Ruud is being told he should walk away from the spotlight.
Ruud, the former No. 2 player in the world, became a star in 2022 when he made the finals for the French Open and US Open. Although he's still searching for his first Grand Slam title, he's a well-respected figure on the ATP Tour due to his character. He's always classy regardless of his results on the court.
Unfortunately for Ruud, he's getting crushed for having a friendly tiebreak with the legendary Roger Federer at Rod Laver Arena. He lost the tiebreak, 7-2, in front of a packed crowd.
While it's totally possible Ruud took his foot off the gas against Federer, fans are convinced the Norwegian's days of being a contender at major tournaments are over.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images.
"Ruud is actually so finished. Holy," a fan wrote on social media.
"Federer is great. But it also shows just how cooked Ruud is," a second fan commented.
"How can you be a Pro in your 20s and still lose to a grandpa who’s done nothing but dropping his children at school for the last 4 years," another fan said.
"Ruud should be forced to retire ASAP," a social media user declared.
Is Federer coming out of retirement?
Even though Federer still possesses a beautiful one-handed backhand, he doesn't plan on returning to the ATP Tour.
"If I would have won half of what I've done, I'd be equally proud sitting here because I achieved way more than I ever thought I would," Federer said. "The run, the time that I've had, it what stands out to me. It's been so much fun."
Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, has teased a potential "Legends" tour with Rafael Nadal in the past. Hopefully, fans will get to see them back on the court in some capacity this year.