Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic started his Next Gen ATP Finals campaign with a 4-3 (7-5) 4-3 (7-5) 4-2 win over Norway’s Casper Ruud at the Allian Cloud in Milan.
Both players held serve in the first set to set up a tie-break. Kecmanovic went up 3-0 with a mini-break, but Ruud fought back by winning three consecutive points to draw level to 3-3. Kecmanovic earned two set points at 6-4 and sealed the opening set 7-5 with a forehand.
In the second set neither player earned a break point setting up a second tie-break. Ruud won a 22-shot rally to take a 5-3 lead in the tie-break, but Kecmanovic won two consecutive points to draw level to 5-5. The Serbian player sealed the tie-break 7-5 on his first point with a big serve.
Kecmanovic earned the first break point of the match with a forehand volley at 2-2 in the third set and got the break after a forehand error from Ruud. Kezmanovic held on his serve to close out the match after 1 hour and 16 minutes.
“I have had some experience with this format, so I was prepared for it. I served pretty well, so that got me through today. I was able to stay calm and play aggressively. We have known each other since we were 12. We played together a lot. We played doubles with each other a lot. We are professionals and have gotten the hang of playing each other, but we are still good friends”,said Kecmanovic.
Kecmanovic hit 20 winners to 10 unforced errors.
This year Kecmanovic reached his first ATP Tour final in Antalya and the quarter final at Indian Wells.
“It could be tough to play these kind of tournaments. There is a bunch of different rules, and it goes quick. You know, one, two points, and the set is over. I have had experience playing with this format, playing in the United States. World team Tennis format, so I am kind of used to it. The rule I like the most is the shorter sets. I like that it goes quick. I don’t like that you have to go for your towel. I don’t understand that rule and I absolutely don’t like it.”
