(Sydney) Casper Rudd (11th in the world) equalized for Norway against France 1-1, clearly beating Adrian Mannarino 6-1, 6-4 in the quarter-final of the United Cup on Thursday in Sydney.
Caroline Garcia had given France the first point by winning much more difficultly against Malene Helgo in three sets: 6-2, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (7/5).
“I broke very early in each set, I served well. I don’t think I conceded a break point,” said Ruud after his convincing victory, who said he was “very satisfied with his level of play and with having allowed Norway to come back.”
Casper Ruud has won all his singles since the start of the competition without giving up a single set, successively beating the Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (22nd in the world), the Croatian Borna Coric (37th), and Adrian Mannarino (23rd).
The mixed doubles will therefore decide between the two nations to see which one will join Poland in the semi-final, which outclassed China.
During their previous meeting, Garcia and Mannarino won in their respective singles matches against Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Sonego to beat Italy.
