Team Europe got off to a great start in their title defence at the Laver Cup, taking a 3-1 lead against Team World on day one of the event.
Jakub Mensik helped secure two of the points for his side by defeating Alex Michelsen in singles before emerging victorious alongside Carlos Alcaraz in doubles.
The sole loss for Team Europe came in the battle of the debutants, where Flavio Cobolli lost to Joao Fonseca of Team World.
The day began with Casper Ruud clinching a win over Reilly Opelka in straight sets, wrapping up the contest in an hour and 27 minutes.
Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images for Laver CupReilly Opelka reacts to his defeat to Casper Ruud at the Laver Cup
The American, one of the fastest servers on tour, has his biggest weapon taken away from him on the slow surface of the Laver Cup courts.
“I don’t know if it’s the surface or the ball or the combination, but it’s quite unique,” said Opelka in his press conference after the match.
He explained: “It’s just bizarre. It’s kind of like a sandpaper surface with a ball that really puffs up.
“I was also able to use it for my advantage. I won a lot of points at the baseline today, because a guy like Casper, if I give him a high forehand, it’s point over no matter where in the court it is.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for Laver Cup
“On a court like this today, I got to be able to defend and work my way back into some rallies.
It works for both sides.
“Yeah, I might not get 25 aces on this surface, but I’m also going to get some more chances and second, third chances at points that I normally wouldn’t.
“He just served really well today, where that wasn’t the case. At one time, he didn’t serve great; I had a bunch of break points.”
Reilly Opelka says Casper Ruud is a ‘great server’
Opelka said of Ruud: “[He is a] great server. He’s really good. It wasn’t much of an anomaly on his end.
I’m not so surprised.
“He served maybe better than 80%, which I’m sure is above his average by a good bit, but he’s still 2 in the world.
Casper Ruud’s serving statistics against Reilly Opelka
Aces: 5Double Faults: 0First Serve Percentage: 80%First Serve Win Percentage: 88%Second Serve Win Percentage: 69%
“Give him some credit. I’m not surprised that he serves really well and has a really big forehand. He has had an insanely good career.”
Ruud’s next match will be in doubles with Holger Rune on day two of the Laver Cup, against the duo of Alex de Minaur and Alex Michelsen.