Casper Ruud recently opened up about the challenges and frustrations of being subjected to frequent and random drug testing in a candid interview. He also expressed sympathy for Jenson Brooksby, who was banned for 18 months for failing to report his whereabouts.
But the most unexpected part of the conversation was when Ruud shared his “urinating tactics” and how he sometimes had to hold his urine in order to avoid delays or complications with doping control officers.
The topic of doping in tennis has become hot lately, especially after Michael Ymer and Brooksby’s suspension. Many have debated the fairness and effectiveness of the anti-doping system, which requires players to indicate their location and availability for testing at all times.
Ruud, world number 8, is among the players who support the anti-doping system, but also admits it has drawbacks. In his video interview with Barbara Schett on Eurosport, he said he understood the need for surprise tests, but also felt they were sometimes too restrictive and impractical.
The Norwegian sympathized with the severity of Brooksby’s punishment. He said he thought the 18-month sentence was too harsh for such a mistake and it would cost Brooksby a lot of time and money to get back to his level.
“I think the punishment is too long,” said Casper Ruud. “18 months means you lose almost like three years of your career because 18 months is a year and a half and then it will take you about a year, maybe more, for it to be obvious that “He’s good enough to get back to the top. 100. He’s a pretty good player, but you’re not going to win every tournament when you come back.”
But the most interesting part of the interview was when Ruud revealed his own strategy for dealing with doping controls, which involved controlling his bladder.
“Maybe this sounds silly, but let’s say I wake up at night around 6:15, I wake up by myself because I have to pee so bad. You kind of think, oh maybe they ( doping control) arrive at 7 a.m. so maybe I shouldn’t go because I want to save it. If I’m going to empty my bladder at 6:15 a.m. maybe I won’t be able to pee until 10 a.m. You can’t pee whenever you want,” added Casper Ruud.
The 24-year-old said that’s why he felt like he was living “under surveillance or like in prison” because he had to think twice before doing something as natural as pee.
“That’s why I sometimes feel like you’re living under surveillance or in prison because of course you can, but it’s smart not to pee right before they come, so it’s just a little stressful in certain situations,” he continued.
The interview was published on the Eurosport YouTube channel on Monday October 30.
Casper Ruud to face Francisco Cerundolo at Paris Masters 2R 2023
Casper Ruud will face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of the ATP Masters 1000 on Wednesday, November 1.
Ruud, who received a first-round bye, is looking to extend his good season which saw him win just one. ATP title at Estoril and reaching the final at Roland Garros and Bastad. The 24-year-old has a 37-22 win-loss record this season and has won more than $3 million in prize money.
Cerundolo stuns local favorite Gaël Monfils in a thrilling first-round hat-trick, 4-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5. The 25-year-old won a single ATP title in Eastbourne and reached the final in Lyon. The Argentine has a 38-25 win-loss record this season and has won over $1.8 million in prize money.
This will be the fifth meeting between Casper Ruud and Francisco Cerundolo on the ATP Tour, with a head-to-head record equal to 2-2. The winner will face either Roberto Bautista Agut or Hubert Hurkacz in the third round.
