Spanish tennis lost its first representative at the Australian Open this Sunday. Jaume Munar did not beat Casper Ruud (6-3, 1-6, 7-5, 2-6, 6-1 in three hours and 20 minutes), which he took to the limit in a truly great game that ignited the mood at Rod Laver Arena.
Things did not start well for the Spaniard, who saw how the former finalist of tournaments such as Roland Garros or the US Open imposed his tennis from the back of the court.
Backed by its strong service, The Norwegian had one break which was more than enough to close out the first set 6-3.
The game seems to have no history, but it has one. Ruud suffered a dramatic fall which Munar took advantage of to turn the tables and clearly dominate. A real recital that allowed him to balance the balance after winning the second set 6-1.
Ruud’s crisis seemed to prolong when he delivered another serve in the opening game of the third set, but this time Munar was unable to take advantage of the facilities afforded him by his rival and saw how the partial was decided by a tight 7-5.
Once again, and when everything seemed against him, the Spaniard brought out his best tennis to once again be the master of the court.although Ruud is confused as he knows more and more that his Australian Open debut will give him a lot of headaches.
Because of the 6-2 of the fourth set, everything is open for the fifth and decisive. Munar’s positive inertia seemed to be on the verge of being the first big surprise of the tournament, but that was not the case.
When things are worst for him, Ruud showed that he is one of the tennis greats and got the set back on track from the start. A break in the second game was the last blow for Munar who couldn’t handle the blow and ended up losing 6-1.
Big lesson in pride from the Balearic Islands, who return home with their heads held high after being one of the stars of a day marked by rain. In its part, Ruud waiting for the winner of the match between Nikoloz Basilashvili and Jakub Mensik in the second roundis confident of getting past the hurdle of the round of 16 this year, something his father, former tennis player Christian Ruud, also failed to achieve.
“It was like the last one left standing. I hope I can get over it one day.. But I would be happy if he also has at least one record in the family. I was a great inspiration. Without him it would have been very difficult to be where I am today. “I owe him a lot,” he said on the court after the game.
Kei Nishikori also won in five sets. The Japanese achieved a huge comeback against Brazilian Thiago Monteiro (4-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-2, 6-3) and will face either Tommy Paul or Christopher O’ in the second round, on Wednesday.
Source: La Verdad
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