Casper Ruud admits that he was feeling the pressure when he took to the court to play his first match of 2023 at the United Cup in Sydney.
Ruud, who is the only player from his country ranked in the world’s top 300 in singles, defeated Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro 6-3, 6-2, to record a vital win for team Norway who was trailing the tie 0-2. Despite getting broken in each set, he managed to secure victory with the help of eight aces and won 67% of his service points.
“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,” he said afterwards.
The world No.3 is hoping to generate momentum at the United Cup ahead of the Australian Open where he will be bidding to claim his first major title. In 2022 Ruud reached the final in two out of the three Grand Slam tournaments he played in. He was also runner-up to Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in November.
“I always feel very motivated coming down here playing in Australia,” Ruud states. “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 over Monteiro was the only positive Norway can take from their tie against Germany which they ended up losing 4-1. In the other matches, the team lost them all in straight sets. They will be hoping to fair better against Italy on Monday and Tuesday. In that tie, Ruud is set to take on Matteo Berrettini.
Kvitova wins again
In Group C Petra Kvitova sealed the Czech Republic’s first tie win by defeating Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-2. After losing 4-1 to America earlier in the competition, the Czech team bounced back in clinical style. Prior to Kvitova taking to the court, they already had a 2-0 lead over Germany with the two-time Wimbledon champion securing the overall victory by winning the third match.
“I really enjoyed every day (of the United Cup). Long days, for sure… I couldn’t celebrate New Year today. It’s tough. Otherwise it was fun, especially with the boys,” Kvitova said during her press conference.
“It’s always different. They’re young. They have a different energy. It’s fun to be in a team with Marie Bouzkova as well and Jesika Maleckova. I’ve never been in a team with them. It was really fun.”
Kvitova, who has also defeated Jessica Pegula in the tournament, has hailed the brand-new mixed event. Each tie features two men’s singles matches, two women’s singles matches and one mixed doubles match taking place over two days.
“I have to say it’s great. I’m very happy with this idea that they came out with. I was always jealous of the (men-only) Laver Cup and the ATP Cup. Finally, we’re in as well,” she said.
After Kvitova’s match, the Czech team suffered back-to-back defeats to finish their tie 3-2 against Germany.
