Casper Ruud Ends 13-Year Partnership with Fitness Trainer
Casper Ruud begins a new chapter in his tennis journey as he parts ways with long-time fitness trainer Marcel Da Cruz, reflecting on their impactful 13-year collaboration while seeking fresh perspectives for the future.
As Casper Ruud prepares to enter the 2025 season, he will do so without the guidance of Marcel Da Cruz, his long-time fitness trainer who has been pivotal to his impressive ascent in professional tennis. The Norwegian athlete, currently taking a well-earned break following a challenging 2024 season, has announced the conclusion of their 13-year partnership in an emotional statement.
Although Ruud did not secure his first Grand Slam or Masters 1000 title during his 2024 season, his performance was highly commendable. The world No. 6 demonstrated his typical resilience by qualifying for the ATP Finals for the third year in a row and reaching the semifinals in Turin.
During the season-ending tournament, he achieved noteworthy victories against a weakened Carlos Alcaraz and the consistently formidable Andrey Rublev. Nonetheless, his progress was decisively stopped by Jannik Sinner, the eventual champion, who delivered a stark defeat to Ruud in the semifinals.
Nonetheless, Ruud's final ATP ranking—positioned just above Novak Djokovic—demonstrates a degree of consistency that is rare among players on the tour. Much of this achievement can be credited to Ruud's outstanding physical fitness, which is a result of the diligent efforts put forth by Da Cruz throughout the years.
Da Cruz became a part of Ruud's team when the athlete was merely 13 years old, establishing the groundwork for what would develop into one of the most dependable physical profiles in tennis. His contributions ranged from recovery strategies to injury prevention, playing a crucial role in helping Ruud withstand the challenging rigors of the ATP Tour.
With his guidance, Ruud transformed into one of the most physically formidable players on the circuit, a quality that has supported his journeys to three Grand Slam finals and 12 ATP titles. The influence of the fitness trainer reached beyond the playing field, contributing significantly to Ruud's growth not only as an athlete but also as a person.
Although the choice to separate was made by Da Cruz, driven by his wish to pursue new opportunities, both individuals conveyed their hopes for a possible future collaboration. In his statement, Ruud commended Da Cruz for his steadfast commitment and expressed gratitude for his significant contributions.
“Marcel's absence will certainly be felt in the team. He has played a vital role in my growth both as an athlete and as an individual. I want to express my gratitude for his 13 years of hard work, commitment, and support. I wish him all the best going forward, and I hope we can collaborate again in the future,” Ruud remarked.
Da Cruz reaffirmed these thoughts, keeping the possibility of future collaboration open while highlighting his pride in their shared accomplishments. As Ruud readies himself for the challenges of the upcoming season, finding a new fitness trainer will be essential for preserving his physical advantage. Although Da Cruz’s exit signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter, it also provides Ruud with the chance to seek new insights and continue his growth as a player.
At this moment, Ruud can look back on a partnership that has played a crucial role in his ascent to the top levels of tennis, and fans are sure to keenly observe how the Norwegian adjusts to this new phase in his career.
