‘The biggest star we have’ – Casper Ruud makes Erling Haaland confession ahead of Carlos Alcaraz US Open showdown

Casper Ruud has dismissed suggestions he could rival Manchester City’s Erling Haaland as Norway’s biggest sporting hero even if he beats Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s US Open final and becomes world No 1.

Haaland, who left Dortmund for Manchester City this summer for £51m, has been in astonishing form for Pep Guardiola’s side, netting 12 times in seven games across the Premier League and Champions League so far.

The famed forward has continued where he left off with Dortmund, having hit a mammoth 86 goals in 89 outings for the Black and Yellows.

Carlos Alcaraz will face Casper Ruud in the US Open final, where the winner will also be crowned the new world number one.

Ruud is already the best player in his country’s history having picked up a love of the sport from his father Christian, who was a top-50 player in the 1990s.

But 23-year-old Norwegian Ruud admits he doesn’t expect to match the popularity of compatriot – Man City striker Erling Haaland – if he reaches the summit of men’s tennis.

Ruud said: “He’s had an unbelievable season so far. We all hope he keeps going. It’s a joy to watch him score goal after goal.

“He’s obviously the biggest star we have in Norway for the moment. He’ll probably continue to be so for many more years.

“I’m just focused on my career. I hope I can, of course, win more tournaments in my career. I want to represent Norway in a good way and put Norwegian tennis a little bit more on the map than it’s been the last years.”

Haaland’s relentless scoring rate has seen him emerge as one of football’s most revered talents in recent years and saw him the subject of an epic transfer tug-of-war earlier in the year.