Casper Ruud weighs David Ferrer comparison, royal invitations in Turin

WATCH: Ruud spoke to the press after topping the Green Group in round-robin play at the Nitto ATP Finals.

Is Casper Ruud the next Federer or Ferrer?

During a Nitto ATP Finals press conference on Tuesday, a journalist noted similarities between Ruud and the former world No. 3, who retired from tennis in 2019.

The Norwegian was gracious in his reply, and noted the difficulties the 2013 Roland Garros runner-up endured when competing alongside the ATP's Big 3 of Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic.

“He has been a little bit unlucky and unfortunate that he had the big three at the same time as him. He was able to reach one final. I believe he won the Paris Masters one year. He has had a great career,” Ruud said.

Though the young star affirmed that Nadal has been his all time tennis idol growing up, he did acknowledge the influence Ferrer has also had on his own playing style.

“David has always been exceptional in my eyes, always had great attitude on court,” Ruud said. “More of a silent worker, not too much show around him. Just focused on his things.”

Ruud recalled watching Ferrer’s matches as a kid growing up, and has certainly displayed a similarly relentless work ethic in his rise to No. 2 in the ATP rankings earlier this season. Seeded No. 3 in Turin, Ruud won two of his three round-robin matches to not only reach the Nitto ATP Finals semis for a second straight year, but also top the Green Group.

That success has earned him his share of notoriety, both at home and abroad.

“The daughter of [Norway's] crown prince and princess, she turned 18 this summer, and I was invited,” he explained on Thursday. “I couldn't go. Tennis is just too hectic. We are all traveling all the time. I was not able to make it, unfortunately.

“I have been contacted in ways, but not directly with the King yet. I know he's a great guy. I know he's really into sailing. I'm sure he also follows other sports...I'm sure he can find my number if he wants to!”