Ruud, Kvitova cruise at United Cup
Brisbane: World No. 3 Casper Ruud cruised past Thiago Monteiro in straight sets, but it was in vain as Norway crashed in their mixed teams United Cup tie against Brazil in Brisbane on Sunday.
After the Brazilians won both opening singles rubbers Saturday, Ruud's 6-3, 6-2 victory brought his country back into contention. But the come- back was short-lived with the South Americans taking the tie when Laura Pilosi out lasted Ulrikke Eiker 6-3, 6-4 in almost two hours at Pat Rafter Arena. Brazil won the mixed doubles to give them a 4-1 win. Ruud was far too consistent for the 71st ranked Monteiro, who made 27 unforced errors, wrapping up a dominant win in only 70 minutes to at least give him confidence heading into the new season.
In Sydney, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova proved too strong for Germany's Laura Siegmund, romping home 6-4, 6-2.
It ensured the Czech Re- public won the tie with an unassailable 3-0 lead, having lost their opening clash with the United States 4-1. "Playing Laura is always difficult. She's changing her game a lot, so I had to be ready for everything. I'm glad I got the point," said Kvitova.
German Oscar Otte defeated Dalibor Svacina 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 and Germany won the mixed doubles, but the won the tie 3-2.
In Perth, Belgium and Bulgaria were locked at 2-2 heading into the mixed doubles. Elise Mertens beat Gergana To pavlova 6-4, 3-6, 6-0 before Bulgaria levelled the tie when Dimitar Kuzmanov downed Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-0.
Andreescu rally to defeat Muguruza: Bianca Andreescu rallied to beat Garbine Muguruza of Spain 0-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1 in a clash of Grand Slam champions Sunday in the first round of the Adelaide International. Later, Marcos Giron outlasted veteran Richard Gasquet 7-6 (7/5), 6-7 (6/8), 7-5 in a first round singles match which lasted just under three hours.
Top ranked Novak Djokovic is expected to play his first-round singles against Constant Leslianne of France on Monday. All eyes will be on Djokovic who returns to Australia after being deported last year because of his vaccination stance.