Casper Ruud started where he left off last year, beating Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-2 in the first men’s singles match of the New Year to boost Norway at the United Cup mixed teams championship in Brisbane.
Ruud had a successful year last year, rising as high as No. 2 in world rankings before closing out at No. 3 after reaching the championship match at the ATP finals. His start to last season in Australia was less memorable: He injured his ankle in training and was forced out of the Australian Open a day before his first-round match.
Yesterday, Ruud had only a few anxious moments before taking out a must-win match for Norway against Brazil. Norway was 2-0 down when he took the court against Montiero at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena; he left victorious 72 minutes later, improving his record against Montiero to 3-0.
Photo: AFP
After a comfortable win the in the first set, Ruud went 2-0 down in the second, before sweeping six straight games to clinch his win.
“It was a must-win, so I was maybe feeling the pressure a little bit, but I was able to come out with a good start and starting the New Year in tennis down in Australia feels great,” Ruud said.
“I always feel very motivated coming down here playing in Australia,” he said. “Last year was a bit unfortunate. I was not able to play in the Australian Open. I rolled my ankle the day before my first round, so I’m very eager to hopefully have a good start of the season down here, and this is a perfect way for me to start another year on tour.”
Ruud’s win only delayed Norway’s eventual defeat in Group E. Laura Pigossi beat Ulrikke Eikeri 6-3, 6-4 later in the day to give Brazil a winning 3-1 lead.
Meanwhile, former Wimbledon champion and Australian Open finalist Petra Kvitova beat Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-2 to give the Czech Republic an unassailable 3-0 lead over Germany in their Group C match in Sydney.
The match was closer than the scoreline suggests. Siegemund generated 11 break points — Kvitova saved nine — and Kvitova overcame 10 double faults to clinch the tie.
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