Casper Ruud Cruises Past Bellucci Amid Exciting Personal Milestone

Casper Ruud made a commanding start to the Australian Open, defeating Mattia Bellucci 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 on Day 2 at Rod Laver Arena. The three-time major finalist showed no signs of rust, demonstrating the form that has made him a consistent contender in Melbourne. 

The Norwegian has extra motivation this year as he prepares for the arrival of his first child with wife Maria Galligani, who gave birth in December and will celebrate the wedding later in 2026. Ruud described the challenge of balancing tennis with fatherhood. “I have to thank Maria for letting me come here,” he said in his on-court interview. “She’s resting at home, and the ringer is on in case anything happens. There’s more to life than tennis, but I’ll be here as long as I can and as long as Maria lets me.” 

Ruud has started 2026 strongly, improving to 2-2 this month after a Top 10 victory over Alex de Minaur at the United Cup. He is aiming to go deeper than his career-best fourth-round showing in Melbourne from 2021, after being stopped in the second round during the past two editions. 

Looking ahead, Ruud will face Jaume Munar, who is seeking revenge after losing a five-set thriller to the Norwegian at last year’s Australian Open. Munar advanced this year after a five-set comeback against Dalibor Svrcina, saving a match point in the fourth set. Ruud will need his full focus to continue his campaign, even as he balances family commitments during the tournament.