Norway’s Casper Ruud says he «probably won’t be here the next day» if his wife goes into labour during the Australian Open.
Maria is heavily pregnant with their first child, a daughter.
Ruud, the 12th seed, beat Italy’s Mattia Bellucci 6-1 6-2 6-4 in the first round in Melbourne on Monday.
«I have to thank Maria for letting me go in the first place. I know she’s at home resting, getting ready,» he said.
«Except for when I’m playing a match, the ringer is on all hours of the day just in case.
«There’s more to life than just tennis, but I’m going to be here for as long as I can and as long as Maria lets me.»
Ruud has travelled with his family for years, and his father Christian, a former player, is his coach.
«I know for a fact that if everything goes well, the next time I’ll leave my house I will have another person at home,» Ruud told the ATP Tour website.
«She’ll be very little and small, but she’ll be there, and I hope to bring her and my wife Maria to the tournaments together and be a happy family travelling around.
«I’m not just doing this for myself any more. I have someone extra to play for.»
Ruud will face Spain’s Jaume Munar in the second round on Wednesday.
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