Two talented youngsters, Casper Ruud and Matteo Berrettini collide in the group stage of the 2023 United Cup in what promises to be an intriguing affair.
The Italian tennis pro picked up a relatively comfortable win in his first match at the United Cup. Berrettini faced Brazil’s Thiago Monteiro in the first match and got the better of the veteran in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 to give Italy a 2-1 lead at that time. Italy eventually won the match 3-2 against a spirited Brazilian team.
The 26-year-old Berrettini will be key to Italy’s chances at the 18-team competition. He would like to keep the winning momentum going. However, he would know that defeating the 2022 US Open champion will be no mean feat and he will have to be at his best to give Ruud a tough time.
The Norwegian No. 1 ended his stellar season in 2022 by finishing runner-up at the ATP Finals. He lost to Novak Djokovic in the final match. Ruud, who recently celebrated his 24th birthday, will look to continue from where he left off in 2022.
Ruud is currently placed at No. 3 in the ATP rankings. He will be one of the players to watch out for in the tournament. He has got the better of Berrettini on four previous occasions but there is no scope for complacency.
The head-to-head scoreline currently stands at 4-2 in favor of the Norwegian youngster. He blew away Berrettini in their previous meeting at the quarterfinals of the 2022 US Open in three sets.
Prediction: Casper Ruud to win in three sets.
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