LILLEHAMMER (Norway): World No. 2 Casper Ruud was too good for india Prajnesh Gunneswarangiving Norway a 1-0 lead in the World Group I Davis Cup first round tie here on Friday.
Ruud, who finished second at the US Open after going to Carlos Alcaraz on Monday, showed up for national duty four days later and got the job done for his team. He beat the 335-ranked Indian 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and two minutes.
After being totally dominated in the first set, Prajnesh upped his game in the second to make it harder for Ruud. While the Indian failed to get a break point, his most accomplished opponent converted three of the five opportunities he got.
The opening singles were a foregone conclusion, but India remain tied with other Norwegian players away from Ruud’s league.
The second singles between Viktor Durasovic, ranked 325, and Indian number one Ramkumar Ramnathan will be played later on Friday.
Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni will face Ruud and Durasovic in the deciding doubles match on Saturday.
Ruud, who finished second at the US Open after going to Carlos Alcaraz on Monday, showed up for national duty four days later and got the job done for his team. He beat the 335-ranked Indian 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and two minutes.
After being totally dominated in the first set, Prajnesh upped his game in the second to make it harder for Ruud. While the Indian failed to get a break point, his most accomplished opponent converted three of the five opportunities he got.
The opening singles were a foregone conclusion, but India remain tied with other Norwegian players away from Ruud’s league.
The second singles between Viktor Durasovic, ranked 325, and Indian number one Ramkumar Ramnathan will be played later on Friday.
Yuki Bhambri and Saketh Myneni will face Ruud and Durasovic in the deciding doubles match on Saturday.