Recently, 24-year-old tennis star, Mikael Ymer received a massive career blow. The Swedish star was suspended for 18 months for violating anti-doping rules. Last year too, Ymer was charged for missing three out-of-competition doping tests within a year. The stringent doping rules require players to be present when tests are scheduled and officials visit them, whether in competition or out of competition. Hours after the news dropped out regarding Ymer’s suspension, World Number 4, Casper Ruud, has come out in full support of the 24-year-old.

After showing promise early on in the season, Ruud’s campaign has taken a hit with a disastrous grass-court season. Wimbledon was the only grass-court tournament Ruud played and bowed out in the second round. Further, with a dip in form taking a toll on him, the Norwegian lashed out at the tennis federation for Ymer’s suspension. Here’s what he said.

Casper Ruud has strong words in support of Mikael Ymer

Ruud is currently in Sweden to participate in the ATP 250 Nordea Open. During an interview at the tournament, World Number 4 talked about Ymer’s suspension. He said, “It feels like you’re a prisoner in a way because if you’re not there when they show up, you’re in trouble.” Subsequently, Ruud went on to explain how the player’s personal life is restricted by the stringent doping rules.

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The 24-year-old also went on to call out the tennis federation amidst Ymer’s controversy. Talking about this, he said, “It is surprising. I thought the federation would help players, not try to punish them. This shows that they do not help the players, in this case. Without the players, there is no tournament. They should show that they want to help the players.”

Ruud aims to get his campaign back on track

The French Open finalist is back on to the clay courts after a disappointing Wimbledon campaign. He is the top seed at the ATP 250 tournament in Sweden. Additionally, he has received a generous draw as the likes of Alexander Zverev and Andrey Rublev are on the opposite side of the draw.

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Ruud will open his campaign against World Number 96, Alexander Shevchenko. Can he win the second title of this season in Sweden? Let us know your views in the comments below.