Two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud goes weak at the knee at WImbledon – but the condition has nothing to do with awe over grass court tennis.
The Norwegian whose preferred surface is clay has a somewhat hostile relationship with the lawns which dominate the tennis calendar for half of the summer.
The world No. 4 admits that an allergy to grass makes tennis – and even a round of golf – something of an allergy endurance challenge.
Ruud arrived at the All England Club with few expectations despite reaching a career-best fourth round here a year ago.
Ruud told Eurosport that he is spending his pre-tournament days just trying to adjust to the pollen count around the grounds.
The player added that his allergies extend to some trees, making the May tournament in Rome particularly difficult for him.
