Casper Ruud takes first win in Nordic Battle exhibition series against Holger Rune

Casper Ruud is facing off against Holger Rune in a few exhibition matches in the coming days and the first notch went in favour of the Norwegian as he sealed the opener 4-6, 6-4, 10-7.

From enemies to friends, they initially didn't like each other after controversial circumstances at the French Open. However since then, their relationship has become more cordial and as a result they have organised a so-called Nordic Battle exhibition series.

The first of these two matches took place at Varner Arena in Asker, Norway and Ruud used his home advantage. Whilst it was an exhibition, they left it all on the court as the footage showed.

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Ruud also has the advantage of leading their Head to Head 6-1. Rune broke early to lead 2-0 winning eight consecutive points. Ruud quickly broke back and after six games, it was 3-3. Ruud already led 4-3 but Rune forced the comeback until the end of the set where he broke for 5-4.

Serving for the set, Rune won it to claim the set 6-4. They were replaced for a time by young spectators after Rune's substitute lost a point, the Dane also lost the second set 4-6 sending the match into a decider.

A match tie-break followed. Rune led 5-2 but Ruud won eight out of the last ten points to claim it 10-8 and record the first win. They now head to Copenhagen. This will be played at the Royal Arena on December 3rd.

It has been a week of joy for Ruud who got engaged to his long-time girlfriend, Maria Galligani on Monday and he unintentionally started to open the floodgates. “Can’t wait to marry you,” captioned the 25-year-old.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexei Popyrin will also get married also getting down on one knee this past week as the off-season fully begins in earnest. Albeit with many already basically back into training, but with the Davis Cup it is slightly more of a toil for men's players.

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