Casper Ruud finished 2023 where he left off in 2022, defeating Brazilian Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-2 in the first men’s singles match of the new year to advance Norway to the United Cup mixed team championship in Brisbane.
This Sunday, Ruud he had only a few moments of anguish before pulling out of a game Norway needed to win against Brazil. Norway trailed 2-0 when they took the court against Monteiro at Brisbane’s Pat Rafter Arena; he left the court victorious after 72 minutes, improving his record against Monteiro to 3-0.
Coming off a comfortable first set win, Ruud trailed 2-0 in the second before winning six straight games to claim victory. “It was a must win so maybe he felt a little pressure. But I was able to start off on the right foot, and starting the new year of tennis in Australia felt great.. I’m always excited when I play in Australia. Last year was a bit unlucky. I can’t play the Australian Open. I sprained my ankle the day before my first round so I’m really looking forward to a good start to the season here, and it’s a perfect way to start another year on tour.”
Ruud’s win only delayed Norway’s defeat in Group E. Laura Pigossi beat Ulrikke Eikeri 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday to give Brazil a 3-1 winning lead which was extended with Rio de Janeiro’s mixed doubles win (4-1).
In addition to Brazil, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic sealed their victory on the second day. Petra Kvitova defeated Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-2 to give the Czech team a 3-0 victory over a Germany that builds on the series with Oscar Otte’s final victory in mixed doubles (3-2).
Bulgaria also beat Belgium 3-2. In this case everything was decided in the final mixed doubles, which fell to the side of I. Shinikova and A. Lazarov 1-6, 7-6(5), 10-6 against E. Mertens and D. Goffin.
Source: La Verdad
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