Three-time Grand Slam finalist Casper Ruud made a quick begin to his 2024 season on Saturday on the United Cup, but it surely was not sufficient to stop Norway crashing 2-1 to the Netherlands.
Ruud, the top-ranked Norwegian in historical past after reaching a career-high two by making the 2022 US Open closing, was a degree above Tallon Griekspoor in a 6-3, 6-4 win at Sydney.
He transformed three of seven break factors to clinch victory in 72 minutes in opposition to a participant who has risen to 23 on the earth on the again of ATP Tour titles in Pune and Hertogenbosch this yr.
It helped degree the tie on the blended groups match after skilled Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus downed Malene Helgo 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 within the ladies’s singles.
Ruud, now ranked 11, returned to accomplice Ulrikke Eikeri within the blended doubles, however they have been unable to beat Demi Schuurs and Wesley Koolhof who rallied from a break down in every set to win 7-6 (7/5), 7-5.
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“I believe we simply returned fairly effectively, we simply discovered a technique to break their sport,” stated Schuurs.
Regardless of dropping the tie, Ruud stated his singles win was “the proper begin to the season”.
“I actually like this court docket, it was a superb match for me,” stated Ruud, who misplaced to Novak Djokovic on this yr’s French Open closing.
“I’m prepared for the brand new season, I’m motivated, I’ve numerous vitality in my legs.”
Rus, who at 33 turned the oldest first-time WTA title winner in 40 years when she received in Hamburg final season, gave the Netherlands the proper begin.
She broke Helgo instantly earlier than the younger Norwegian pressured a tiebreaker.
The second set proved simpler, with Rus rattling by way of regardless of Helgo placing up late resistance to save lots of 4 match factors.
Alexander Zverev and three-time Grand Slam winner Angelique Kerber get their match below means later in Sydney when Germany takes on Italy.
World primary Iga Swiatek spearheads the Polish staff in Perth when it faces Brazil.