Norway stuns USA in inaugural ATP Cup | Inquirer Sports

Norway stuns USA in inaugural ATP Cup

/ 04:20 AM January 04, 2020

Norway stuns USA in inaugural ATP Cup

Casper Ruud —AFP

PERTH, Australia—Emerging youngster Casper Ruud notched the biggest victory of his career after beating big-serving John Isner on Friday to spearhead Norway’s stunning upset over the United States on the first day of the inaugural ATP Cup.

The 21-year-old leveled the Group D tie with a 6-7 (3), 7-6 (10), 7-5 win over the world No. 19 in two hours and 43 minutes.

Article continues after this advertisement

He saved two match points in the second set and weathered 33 aces from Isner, after Taylor Fritz thrashed Viktor Durasovic, 6-2, 6-2, in the opening match in Perth.

FEATURED STORIES

Ruud then backed up in the decisive doubles alongside Durasovic to down Rajeev Ram and Austin Krajicek, 4-6, 6-3, 10-5, and trigger jubilant scenes from the Norwegian contingent, which was the last team to qualify for the 24-nation event also being played in Brisbane and Sydney.

“I didn’t have much time to recover from my singles,” Ruud said. “I was a little bit low [on energy] but I got the feet going and we played great. The players are super proud to beat the US.”

Article continues after this advertisement

The world No. 54 has risen up the rankings over the past year since training alongside Rafael Nadal.

Article continues after this advertisement

Ruud, whose father, Christian, is Norway’s captain, clawed back into the singles match and stormed out to a 6-4 lead in the second set tiebreak, but was thwarted on his set points by a desperate Isner.

He saved two match points in a seesawing set before finally converting on his fifth attempt to keep Norway alive. —AFP

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: ATP Cup, Casper Ruud, John Isner, Sports, Tennis

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.