Father-to-be Ruud ready to leave Melbourne early

Norway's Casper Ruud says he "probably won't be here the next day" if his wife goes into labour during the Australian Open.

Maria is heavily pregnant with their first child, a daughter.

Ruud, the 12th seed, beat Italy's Mattia Bellucci 6-1 6-2 6-4 in the first round in Melbourne on Monday.

"I have to thank Maria for letting me go in the first place. I know she's at home resting, getting ready," he said.

"Except for when I'm playing a match, the ringer is on all hours of the day just in case.

"There's more to life than just tennis, but I'm going to be here for as long as I can and as long as Maria lets me."

Ruud has travelled with his family for years, and his father Christian, a former player, is his coach.

"I know for a fact that if everything goes well, the next time I'll leave my house I will have another person at home," Ruud told the ATP Tour website., external

"She'll be very little and small, but she'll be there, and I hope to bring her and my wife Maria to the tournaments together and be a happy family travelling around.

"I'm not just doing this for myself any more. I have someone extra to play for."

Ruud will face Spain's Jaume Munar in the second round on Wednesday.