Novak Djokovic was recently caught off guard after finding out that Casper Ruud had a baby with his wife Maria before getting married. While the Serb initially looked surprised at the news, he quickly went on to re-iterate that ‘that’s also ok’.
Ruud and Maria Galligani have been in a relationship since 2018, having begun dating after being introduced to each other by a mutual friend. The duo quickly hit it off and they were engaged in 2024. In September 2025, the couple announced that they were expecting their first child, and they welcomed their daughter Camilla In January this year. Ruud and Galligani tied the knot earlier this month with a wedding in Mallorca.
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Recently, the ATP asked players to congratulate Casper Ruud on his marriage, and Novak Djokovic was surprised to find out that the Norwegian wasn’t already married, saying,
“Yeah, he just became a father. I know that. I thought he was married already. So you did it the other way around my friend. Ok, that’s fine. That’s fine, that’s also ok.”
Watch a video of the moment below:
The Serb went on to extend his heartfelt wishes to the former French Open finalist, adding,
“I would like to congratulate you. You’re entering a new chapter of your relationship, of your love, and of your lives. It is the most beautiful chapter but also the most challenging chapter. So I have zero advice, I just wish you good luck.”
Djokovic married his wife Jelena in July 2014 after dating for nearly a decade. The couple welcomed their son Stefan three months later and their daughter Tara in 2017.
Novak Djokovic reflects on married life and being a parent
After getting married and becoming a parent, Novak Djokovic credited the new developments in his personal life as the reason behind his success. Speaking after his triumph at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships, the 39-year-old said,
“Whether I’m winning or losing, she’s always there. Family’s always there. When I go back home, I’m not a tennis player anymore. I’m a father and a husband. That’s a kind of balance that I think allows me to play this well. Ever since I got married and became a father, I haven’t lost many matches, I won many tournaments. I suggest that to every player, Get married, have kids, let’s enjoy this.”
On the tennis end of things, Novak Djokovic was last seen in action at the French Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will next return to court for the Wimbledon Championships.
Edited by Riddhi Acharya