Ruud makes timely exit from Australian Open as Shelton storms into last eight

• Norwegian's wife is heavily pregnant with their first child

• Twelfth seed had faced nervy wait with due date nearing

Casper Ruud suffered a frustrating 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 defeat to Ben Shelton in the fourth round of the Australian Open on Monday night, but the silver lining of the three-time grand slam finalist's loss is that he will finally be able to return home.

Ruud, the 12th seed, has had one eye on events back home during his time in Melbourne owing to the fact that his wife, Maria, is heavily pregnant with their first child and is due to give birth this weekend. Ruud had repeatedly stated that he would withdraw and immediately begin the long journey home if she went into labour during the tournament.