Casper Ruud aimed to assist fellow tennis player Holger Rune during a recent press conference, but he also sparked laughter with a humorous moment. The Norwegian advised the Danish player to steer clear of discussing taxes, a topic that has previously led to controversy for Ruud himself.
In October, Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, criticized Norway’s tax system, suggesting he might consider relocating outside the country due to substantial tax increases. His comments were met with backlash from prominent Norwegian politicians.
This week, Ruud is in Denmark for the Nordic Battle event, and ahead of their match in Copenhagen, he and Rune participated in a joint press conference. During the event, a Danish reporter inquired about Rune’s feelings regarding Denmark’s tax system, given that he lists Monte Carlo as his residence. Before Rune could respond, Ruud interjected, saying, “It’s probably best if you don’t answer that. I don’t think you have to answer. You just have to do it like this…” while making a zipping gesture across his mouth, which elicited laughter from the audience.
Ruud’s previous comments about Norway’s tax system included a candid admission: “I have to admit that I have also thought about moving. There are very drastic tax increases that have been introduced in recent years. It definitely hurts to pay so much more in taxes. I think it is a completely wrong way to go on the part of the Norwegian government. They are shooting themselves in the foot and causing a lot of capital and people to flee the country,” he told Dagens Industri two months ago.
Following Ruud’s remarks, Per Martin Sandtroen, a member of the Norwegian Parliament, advised him to “stay” in Norway, which he described as “one of the world’s most well-functioning societies.” Another parliament member, Eigil Knutsen, emphasized that the Norwegian system is designed for everyone to “contribute according to our ability,” arguing that it is a fair approach.
When asked about the lucrative Saudi exhibition and its financial implications, Ruud opted to refrain from commenting further, noting that discussing politics in Norway had previously led to complications for him.
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