Casper Ruud vows to stay away from politics for a while after extensive scrutiny over remarks on Saudi Arabia, high taxes in Norway

Casper Ruud has been drawing an extensive amount of attention over his recent, albeit separate comments on countries like Saudi Arabia being a part of the tennis Tour and the high taxes in Norway.

The Norwegian, in a recent interview with SpilXperten, had revealed that he declined an offer to play in Saudi Arabia, which is currently hosting the high-paying exhibition tournament, the Six Kings Slam, due to the country’s “controversial” stance on certain issues.

Ruud clarified that he did not receive an offer for Six Kings Slam specifically, but had been asked to play in Saudi Arabia in the past. He was quick to add that other countries like China also have a less-than-ideal history when it came to areas like human rights. In another interview with Dagens Industri, the Norwegian had bemoaned the high taxes in his home country.

During his latest press conference at the Stockholm Open, however, Ruud said that given the extensive attention he has received after his comments, he will not be engaging in conversations on politics for a few weeks now.

“It's... you get a lot of attention when athletes start to speak about certain subjects and definitely when it involves politics,” Casper Ruud said.

The World No. 8 was quick to note that sportspersons are not often found speaking on these issues, something which only adds to the hype if at all some remarks are made. He added that interviews with the remarks in question will be the last engagement with politics for the foreseeable future.

“And I think that… not very often it happens so that’s maybe why and I think that’s why the other day was the last bit of political involvement that I will have for a few weeks at least.”

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"A lot of people have a lot of opinions" - Casper Ruud amid row over political comments

Casper Ruud further defended his decision to not voice his personal and political opinions in public, saying people have differing opinions on each issue and its best to not share them as openly.

“A lot of people have a lot of opinions on anything you say, and it’s just that people have different views and I won’t speak politics for a while,” the Norwegian said.

Ruud had come into the Stockholm Open, his home tournament, as the second seed this year. He, however, crashed out in the quarterfinals.

The Norwegian had opened his campaign with a win over Lorenzo Sonego. However, he came up short in the last-eight encounter against Tallon Griekspoor, losing 7-5, 7-6(5).