Australian Open: Medvedev and Rublev start confidently, Ruud withdraws
Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev are in the second round of the Australian Open without losing a set. World number eight Casper Ruud , on the other hand, was unable to attend his first match.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Jan 18, 2022, 06:29 am
Easy run at the Australian Open for Daniil Medvedev : The second in the world rankings had little trouble with Swiss Henri Laaksonen in the first round despite an average performance at best and won 6:1, 6:4 and 7:6 (3). In the next game, however, the US Open champion is threatened with the first real position determination, as Nick Kyrgios could be waiting in this. He meets Liam Broady on Tuesday.
Just as confidently as Medvedev, his compatriot Andrey Rublev advanced to the second round. The 24-year-old defeated Gianluca Mager 6-3, 6-2 and 6-2. He now has to deal with Roberto Carballes Baena or Ricardas Berankis.
There was bad news from Casper Ruud: The Norwegian, eighth, was unable to play his first round match against Alex Molcan due to an ankle injury. "I'm not at 100 percent. It's the best decision," said the 23-year-old, who wants to return to the tour in the South American clay-court season. Ruud will be replaced in Melbourne by lucky loser Roman Safiullin.
Makes sense as a profiteer?
Jannik Sinner could be the beneficiary of Ruud's short-term cancellation. The Italian, who according to the seeding list would have played the Norwegian in the round of 16, had no problems at least in his opening game and beat Joao Sousa 6:4, 7:5 and 6:1.
Also one lap further are Diego Schwartzman, Grigor Dimitrov and Marin Cilic. While the majority of the seeded players were unscathed at the start of the second day of the tournament, Ugo Humbert had to admit defeat to his compatriot Richard Gasquet in four sets. Gasquet now meets Botic van de Zandschulp, who eliminated Jan-Lennard Struff from the tournament .
To the men's individual tableau
laver arena