Ruud is searching for his first title of the season and a first on a hard court since winning in San Diego back in 2021.

But fans have noticed the Norwegian playing with a nose trip in Dallas similar to what Carlos Alcaraz is using during his campaign at the Rotterdam Open.

Why is Casper Ruud wearing a nose strip similar to Carlos Alcaraz at the Dallas Open?

Casper Ruud has dropped just one set on the way to reaching the Dallas Open semifinals. The Norwegian was leading Yoshihito Nishioka 7-5, 3-2, when the Japanese player retired with an injury.

Throughout the campaign Ruud has been wearing a nose strip, similar to what Alcaraz first wore when they played at the 2024 ATP Finals and what the Spaniard is currently wearing at the Rotterdam Open.

During an interview with Tennis Channel Ruud, was asked why he has added the accessory to his on-court attire.

“I bought it to try during sleep because when I’m back home in Norway and it’s cold during the winter I wake up and my nose is always so blocked in a way,” he said.

“Whatever happens overnight I’m not sure but I always have to blow my nose a lot in the morning, so I thought you know maybe get a little more air in there and see how that works and it worked really well.

“Actually I was surprised by how well it worked and I thought you know why not try to bring it to practice, and it feels like I’m breathing better.

“So just a few more percentage extra of oxygen through the nose really and I’ve been playing quite well with it so why not keep going.”

Casper Ruud and Carlos Alcaraz searching for their first title of 2025

Ruud served very well against Nishioka as he made 80% of his first serves and won 74% of those points.

He also made 60% of his second serve points as he looked comfortable in the second set before Nishioka suffered a disappointing end to his campaign. Ruud will face Spain’s Jaume Munar next, who overcame Ben Shelton earlier in the tournament.

Alcaraz on the other had produced another rampant display to reach the Rotterdam Open semi-finals. He defeated compatriot Pedro Martinez 6-2, 6-1 to set up a semi-final against Hubert Hurkacz.

“I played really good tennis today, a really high level. And I have done the right things again,” Alcaraz said post-match. “I was really focused before the match, on my things, on my own tennis.

“I tried to put everything in today. Being aggressive, pushing him to the limit every point. I think I did the perfect match and I am happy to keep improving every day. Hopefully in the semi-finals I will be even better.”

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