Nicolai Budkov Kjaer relishes the return to the grass courts every year.
The “good vibes and great atmospheres” add to the pristine presentation of the Wimbledon Grounds.
The Oslo native has “no” grass courts to use at home, but the 18-year-old is evidently a very quick learner.
So much so, Budkov Kjaer had his named etched on to the roll of honour as the Wimbledon 2024 boys’ singles champion. He became the first Norwegian to win a Grand Slam singles title in any discipline, in junior ranks or professional.
One particular moment from the post-match ceremonies and celebrations stands out as the world No.305 reminisced talking to wimbledon.com.
“I remember the dance with Carlos (Alcaraz) and (Barbora) Krejcikova, so hopefully I will be dancing this year,” said the Norwegian, recalling the Champions’ Ball last July.
“Just joking,” he said, “but you never know, maybe one day. It was so fun to win, to get dressed up for the event and everything. I like my clothes and I like to dress well. That’s why I chose the pique (fabric) for my kit this year, for example.”
I’ve always believed I’m a grass court player and I’ve achieved it
The 18-year-old keeps his Wimbledon trophy alongside his other tennis silverware on a shelf in his bedroom, just above his TV, serving as a reminder of his journey so far. He knows his triumph at the All England Club was just the beginning.
On Monday, he ignited his pursuit of a main draw ticket with an opening Qualifying win, beating China’s Bai Yan 7-6(3), 6-2.
“It’s always tough to transition from juniors to seniors,” Budkov Kjaer said. “The guy I played today, he’s double my age. He has so many years in tennis. He knows probably every shot in the world and knows how it’s going to bounce,” added the former junior world No.1.
“I knew it would be tough to transition to pros but I think I’ve done a good job and I’m happy with my path. I want to win every match that I play but it’s not how the world works.”
Adapting to grass courts and the professional ranks, Budkov Kjaer is taking it all with a clear head.
“It’s not like I have a perfect game for a grass court player, but I think many doubt how big the mind has an impact on you,” Budkov Kjaer said. “I think tennis is so mental, so you need to believe very hard and I’ve always believed I’m a grass court player and I’ve achieved it, so I’m happy.”
A significant tutorial for the Norwegian came at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin
last November.
Budkov Kjaer was a hitting partner to the stars of the game and warmed up the world No.1, the eventual champion, Jannik Sinner, each day before the Italian’s matches.
The teenager revealed he “stole” some super tie-breaks (the first to 10 points) from these elite competitors to finish with a 4-3 record over the net from duels with Sinner, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz and Andrey Rublev.
“It was unbelievable to practise with the best guys in the world. From the outside they’re special humans, but they are just normal like everybody, just hit the ball ridiculously well. They were funny, we joked around,” Budkov Kjaer said.
“It was extremely cool, great to experience what it takes to be at the highest level,
what work you need to put in.
He’s a role model for me, but for anybody from our country. Everybody looks up to him
“In running, you have times you can go after, in swimming too. In tennis it’s different, it’s points-based, so I feel it’s different, that you need to experience what you’re working towards.”
One of the stars he hit with in Turin was his compatriot and tennis mentor Casper Ruud. Budkov Kjaer’s father, Alexander, was the CEO of the Norwegian Tennis Federation when three-time Grand Slam finalist Ruud was rising through the ranks. It’s this connection that has been an invaluable resource for Budkov Kjaer.
“Of course he’s a role model for me, but for anybody from our country. Everybody looks up to him,” Budkov Kjaer said. “He’s a really nice guy and a really nice person. He jokes with me, he helps me, he’s like a big brother to me in the tennis world.”
Budkov Kjaer would idolise Roger Federer when watching Wimbledon on TV as a kid and now he wants to replicate the Swiss maestro on the main stage at SW19.
Two steps away from the main draw, Budkov Kjaer meets No.18 seed Adrian Mannarino in the Qualifying second round. Should he seal his main draw spot, Budkov Kjaer is seeking a headline act.
“A big upset I say, for me,” he said, with a beaming smile. “My (boys’) final was on No.1 Court. I definitely want to play on Centre Court, that would be the dream.”