Budkov Kjaer wins Wimbledon and challenges Ruud to round of golf
Nicolai Budkov Kjaer has made history by becoming the first Norwegian to claim a Grand Slam singles crown after winning the Wimbledon boys’ title following victory over Mees Rottgering of Netherlands.
Budkov Kjaer was already the only Norwegian to top a Grand Slam podium after surging to the Roland Garros boys’ doubles title alongside Joel Schwaerzler last month, but he now has a singles gong to his name.
The 17-year-old, who is ranked No. 4 in the ITF World Tennis Tour boys’ rankings, rounded off an impressive week by dispatching Rottgering 6-3 6-3. It was clearly an emotional moment for the teenager as he lay prone on the Wimbledon grass in celebration.
“It feels amazing to be a Wimbledon champion and it feels amazing to achieve a childhood goal of mine,” said Budkov Kjaer. “I am so very proud of that and so proud of my performance today.
“It’s just such a relief when you get over the line. I am extremely happy with the week and when I was laying there a lot of emotions were going through my mind. I was so happy and was just enjoying the moment.
“It’s surreal to win here really. As I say, I am extremely proud of my performance but it’s only juniors. I am trying to achieve bigger things but it’s a great milestone for me.
“I will celebrate with my family and the people that are here, who are very involved with my performance and how I play. It means a lot to them as well as me and I will celebrate the success with them.”
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The future ambitions that Budkov Kjaer refers to are reflected in him already claiming two professional titles at ITF World Tennis Tour level this season – both at M15 Antalya.
“The only word I can use to describe my season so far is ‘great’ and it has been great,” added Budkov Kjaer. “There is a lot of hard work behind it and it certainly doesn’t come easy. I am extremely happy with my year, and I will now try to build on my confidence and how I play.”
Budkov Kjaer revealed in his post-match press conference that he was a keen hockey player – and indeed footballer – in his youth before opting to concentrate on tennis full-time. He now spends a lot of his downtime playing golf.
“I played hockey and a little bit of football, but hockey and tennis were the two main ones that I played when I was younger,” said Budkov Kjaer. “I think that helped my backhand, which is pretty solid, as you have two hands on the stick also in hockey.
“I chose tennis because I was better, basically. Now I like to play some golf. My handicap is 13 or 14 – I’m not that good. I have been playing a lot of with my friends.”
Fellow Norwegian Casper Ruud, who is ranked No. 8 in the ATP Rankings, is a keen golfer. Asked if he fancied a round with Ruud, Budkov Kjaer said: “He’s a busy man – I’ll have to see what he has time for. If he gives me the opportunity to play golf, tennis or whatever, I’m joining.”
A full list of results from the 2024 Junior Championships, Wimbledon is available here.