Team Norway is Down Under once again for a shot at the United Cup, with world No.12 Casper Ruud as the spearhead.
Considered a United Cup stalwart, having represented his country each year since the tournament’s inauguration in 2023, the Norwegian’s quiet confidence and undeniable talent make him a considerable threat in the competition.
In the 2024 installment, Ruud led Norway to the quarterfinals – to this date the team’s best finish at the United Cup – and put them on the brink of the semifinals after defeating Team France’s Adrian Mannarino in straight sets, sending the contest to a deciding mixed doubles match which France won.
Ruud’s 2025 season began in Sydney with another United Cup appearance, where he competed under coach, father and former world No.39 Christian Ruud.
There, Team Norway faced a formidable force in two-time finalist Poland, as well as Czechia, the latter whom Norway will face again in 2026 for a chance of redemption. Norway and Czechia find themselves in Group D alongside hosts Australia, ensuring a crackling atmosphere when those matches play out at Ken Rosewall Arena.
TICKETS: Cheer on Team Norway in Sydney
There will be particular interest when Ruud faces hometown hero Alex de Minaur in a battle between former and current top-10 stars.
Joining Ruud as part of Team Norway are Viktor Durasovic, Malene Helgo, Astrid Brune Olsen and Ulrikke Eikeri, many of whom have United Cup experience to add an edge to the team’s chances.
And with Australia and Czechia both reaching semifinals just once in United Cup history, there is an openness to this group that allows potential space for Norway to push for victory.
In 2025 Ruud drew on his strengths, remaining within the world’s top 15 and adding another two titles to his existing 12, including the biggest of his career at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid. It was here in the Spanish capital that he Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev and Jack Draper en route to the title, all opponents ranked inside the top 10.
Ruud, 27, lays claim to being the top-ranked Norwegian in history, shooting to a career-high mark of No.2 in 2022. He is also the first Norwegian to win an ATP Tour title, play at the season-ending ATP Finals, and reach a Grand Slam final – something he has done three times (twice at Roland Garros and also at the 2022 US Open).
“It's always exciting to come down here,” Ruud said about returning to Australia to kickstart his 2026 campaign. “It's a long travel, but weather is always nice, and people are nice.”
It’s this positive state of mind that could be just the tonic to help Ruud lead Team Norway to its best-ever United Cup result in 2026.
They begin their campaign against Australia on the night of Saturday 3 January.
