In a swift display of dominance, Casper Ruud, the 11th seed from Norway, secured a straightforward victory over Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas, winning 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in just over two hours at the Australian Open.
Ruud, a three-time Grand Slam finalist, showcased his composure by saving all four break points, setting the stage for a second-round clash with Australian Max Purcell. Despite the scorching 30C temperatures, Ruud expressed his comfort in the warm weather, aiming for a successful run in the tournament after facing challenges in previous years.
On a scorching day at the Australian Open, British player Jack Draper endured a grueling five-setter and experienced physical distress, including vomiting after the match. In contrast, 25-year-old Ruud thrived in the heat, securing his place in the next round.
Before his upcoming match, Ruud humorously mentioned his off-court responsibilities, revealing plans for a meeting with an interior designer to discuss home decor details. The Norwegian athlete, looking to turn his fortunes around in Melbourne, emphasized his positive feelings about both his physical condition and tennis performance.
Holger Rune, the Danish eighth seed, faced a more challenging battle against Yoshihito Nishioka, ultimately prevailing with a 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 victory. Meanwhile, Sumit Nagal created history for India by upsetting 27th seed Alexander Bublik with a 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5) win, becoming the first Indian player to defeat a seeded opponent at a Grand Slam since 1989.
Nagal, a 26-year-old qualifier, has significantly improved his financial standing, securing at least 180,000 Australian dollars by advancing to the second round, marking a remarkable achievement in his career.
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