Russia secured its spot in the quarter final at the inaugural edition of the ATP Cup by beating Norway 3-0 at the RAC Arena in Perth. The Russian team has completed Group D play with an unbeaten 3-0 ties record thanks to the wins of Danil Medvedev and Karen Khachanov in both singles matches and of Teymuraz Gabashvili and Konstantin Kravchuk in the doubles match. The team captained by Marat Safin will travel to Sydney for the quarter final, where they will face the winner of Group E.
Karen Khachanov cruised past world number 329 Viktor Durasovic 6-2 6-1 in 61 minutes to score his third consecutive win this season. Khachanov dropped 14 in his eight service games and never faced a break point.
Khachanov broke serve at 15 in the second game. Durasovic saved two break points in the sixth game before wasting three game points at 2-5. Khachanov won five consecutive points from 0-40 down to seal the opening set with another break in the eighth game after 34 minutes. Khachanov broke twice in the second and sixth games and sealed the win with three winners in the seventh game. Khachanov won 87 % of his first service points.
“I think in each match there were positives. The most important thing is that I had good sets, good fight, and I am looking forward to playing next matches in Sydney”, said Khachanov.
Danil Medvedev edged Casper Ruud 6-3 7-6 (8-6) after 1 hour and 34 minutes. The 2019 US Open finalist converted two of his four break points. Both players started the match with five holds of serve. Medvedev served well in the first set and converted his third break point chance in the sixth game with a forehand crosscourt winner. Medvedev held serve at love at 5-2 and sealed the first set 6-3 with another hold in the ninth game thanks to a volley.
Ruud held his first two service games at the start of the second set and earned his first break in the fourth game with a forehand winner to open up a 3-1 lead. Medvedev broke back in the fifth game after a drop-shot error from Ruud. Ruud broke serve to open up a 4-2 lead. Khachanov broke back after a loose forehand from Ruud.
Ruud took a 4-2 lead in the tie-break, but Khachanov won four of the next five points to take a 6-5 lead. Khachanov did not convert his first match point, but he earned the decisive mini-break on the 13th point and sealed the win with an ace on the 14th point.
“It was a bit tough after we played two night session matches, when it was like 20 degrees. Today it was really hot. The ball was bouncing a lot, and Casper was playing well. It was a little bit tough to get used to the conditions. I am happy with the fight, happy with the win, because the second set was close. I was a break up. The tie-break was close, so I could have gone to three sets, which I didn’t. I am happy about myself that I made it in two sets”, said Medvedev.
Gabashvili and Kravchuk beat Durasovic and Gabashvili 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 to complete the 3-0 win for the Russian team.
