Ruud talks Stamkos, golf...and tennis of course

But the world No. 9 was happy post-match to spend just as much time talking about hockey and golf.

A Tampa Bay Lightning fan, the Norwegian called it “sad” that captain Steven Stamkos left the team after hoisting the Stanley Cup twice during his 16-year career in Florida. Stamkos signed a four-year deal with Nashville in early July.

“He’s been one of the star players on the team for so many years, but it’s a new chapter in his career,” Ruud told a group of reporters Thursday. “You have to accept it. It’s a bit sad as a Lightning fan but it’s the name of the game. That’s how career and life goes, and it’s going to be interesting to see how they deal with it next season.”

He also recalled watching current Habs head coach and Hall of Famer Martin St. Louis, who flourished at Tampa Bay prior to ending his career with the New York Rangers.

“I didn’t know too much about hockey and I hadn’t followed it for that many years but I knew he was Tampa’s biggest playmaker,” said Ruud. “He could do about anything on the ice with the puck. And it was sad he left for the Rangers. I wish he would have stayed and finished his career. A very nice guy and great player.”

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Ruud is a great player, too. He has made three Grand Slam finals including two on the clay at Roland Garros, where Montréaler Félix Auger-Aliassime beat him last week at the Olympics — and he’s finished a season ranked inside the Top 10 on the ATP rankings twice.

Golf is a way for Ruud to relax and it’s also something he takes seriously. Prior to getting his week going at IGA Stadium, Ruud had the chance to play at Royal Montreal, the venue for the Presidents Cup in late September. As you might have guessed, he enjoyed it.

“It was really fun,” said Ruud. “They took great care of us. It was a fantastic day. I always enjoy getting out on the course, and that course in particular was fantastic. It was in prime condition, fun to play and the greens were really fast and pure. I had a great time in the end.”

His score? A 79.

“So, it was acceptable,” said Ruud. “Wish I could have shot a few holes better but it’s okay. Was the first time playing, so hope I can be back and play better.”

On the tennis court, Ruud avoided the upset bug that affected several of the players who went deep at the Olympics. He only faced one break point and won more than 70 percent of his service points against Australia’s James Duckworth in his 6-2, 6-7 (5), 6-3 victory.

“Second set was tough, tricky,” said Ruud, who will face either ninth seed Taylor Fritz or Washington winner Sebastian Korda in the third round. “I wasn’t able to take care of some small chances that I had, but that’s okay. Luckily, I won the first set. In the third set, one break makes the difference. I’m happy with my serving today. I played well behind my serve, every game except one.”

Featured photo: Patrice Lapointe