CASPER Ruud is the most successful Norwegian tennis player of all time, having reached three grand slam finals and ascended to a career-high ranking of world No.2.
He's set to star at the 2024 French Open in Paris, with his supportive partner Maria Galligani cheering him on.
Who is Casper Ruud's girlfriend Maria Galligani?
Like her man Ruud, Maria Galligani also hails from Norway.
The couple lives together in Oslo.
Between 2017 and 2020, Maria attended Oslo Nye Høyskole, graduating with a degree in psychology.
Are there illegal baby names? Surprising monikers that are BANNED in other countries, from Sarah to Thomas
Brainy Maria went on to study a master's in the same subject at the University of Southern Denmark, which she was awarded in 2022.
She has also worked for a sports nutrition company.
Although exactly when they started dating is not publicly known, the pair went public with their relationship in 2018.
Following trips to London and Paris, Ruud posted photos of himself and Maria together on Instagram in November of that year.
Maria regularly watches Ruud's matches and has supported him through some of the biggest milestones in his career.
She was on hand when Ruud won the Generali Open in 2021, she sat with his sister in the stands when he reached the final of the US Open in 2022, joined him on the red carpet at the Laver Cup’s Opening Night Gala in London just a couple of weeks later.
She was also photographed with Ruud and his trophy on court following his victory at the 2024 Barcelona Open.
What are Ruud's best French Open results?
Rudd has reached the final of the French Open on two occasions.
In 2022, Nadal beat him by straight sets — 6-3 6-3 6-0.
For me, Casper is one of the candidates for winning in every clay-court event that he’s playing
All about Rachel Nickell who was murdered in front of her son Alex Hanscombe Rafael Nadal
It was the King of Clay's 14th Roland Garros triumph — he has won all 14 of the finals he has been involved in.
Ruud has spoken about his past training at the Nadal Academy as a youngster, before going on to face his teacher in the 2022 French Open final.
Prior to the final, Ruud said of Nadal: “I will try to figure something else out other than in the practice, how to beat him. I will just enjoy the moment.
“This is a special occasion for both of us. He’s playing for his 22nd [Grand Slam]. I’m playing for my first.”
Nadal previously said about Ruud: “I think in the academy we were able to help him a little bit during this period of time.
“But more than another thing it’s about I like to see the good person achieving his dreams.
“For me, Casper is one of the candidates for winning in every clay-court event that he’s playing.
"He’s one of the clear favourites. He’s not a big surprise at all.”
Ruud reached the final again in 2023, eventually falling short to Novak Djokovic in straight sets — 7-6 (7-1) 6-3 7-5.
It was the Serb's third French Open title, which he lifted after defending champion Nadal was forced to retire due to an injury on his left hip.