Returning from injury, Ruud wins in his first match since Roland-Garros

Winning return for Casper Ruud this Wednesday on the clay courts of Gstaad. The Norwegian, top seed at the tournament, claimed a straight-sets victory over local player Dominic Stricker — world No. 229 and wildcard entry — with a score of 7-5, 7-6.

Ruud was making his return to competition after several weeks out due to a left knee injury. He had lost in the second round of Roland-Garros to Portugal’s Nuno Borges and hadn’t played a single match since, notably withdrawing from Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the season.

On Wednesday in Gstaad, the Norwegian had to battle hard to overcome Dominic Stricker. It was the Swiss player who earned the first break point at 3-3, but Ruud saved it well. The Norwegian then missed two break opportunities at 4-3 before finally breaking through at 6-5 to avoid a first-set tiebreak.

I’m happy to be back

The second set was also tightly contested. Ruud failed to convert the only break point of the set and was pushed into a tiebreak by Stricker, who was lifted by home support. The Swiss led 6-4 in the breaker and earned two set points, including one on his serve, but faltered at the end, losing the last four points and handing the match to Ruud.

“It was a very tough match against Dominik. He’s agressive and he’s very talented. It was my first match since a long time after injury, i’m happy to be back. I love to be here in Gstaad, it’s not easy to control the ball with the altitude but I love playing here.” said Ruud after the match.

It was Ruud’s 26th win of the 2025 season — and his first since Roland-Garros. Now through to the quarter-finals in Gstaad, he will next face the winner of the upcoming match between David Goffin and Juan Manuel Cerundolo.