From U.S. College Tennis to the Pro Circuit
Before turning professional, Ruehl spent five years in the United States, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University and later completed a Master’s in Supply Chain Management at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth.
“I wasn’t a bad junior, but there were definitely better players,” Ruehl admitted. “My coach Peter Pfannkoch advised me to take the college route. At first, I was skeptical, but it turned out to be the right decision. I learned a lot about independence and how to deal with pressure, especially in a team setting.”
After returning to Germany, Ruehl based his training back home in Waldshut-Tiengen, near the Swiss border. Without a permanent coach, he works mostly on his own, with support from his father—a former competitive player himself.
Off the court, Ruehl is known for his passion for cooking and sports. A certified nutritionist, he enjoys preparing simple, healthy meals. “I have to eat gluten-free, so my go-to dish is a chicken pan with potatoes and vegetables—simple but good,” said the devoted FC Bayern Munich football fan, who also keeps an eye on MSV Duisburg, his father’s hometown club.
