Ruud secures first point for Team Europe by besting Opelka

Casper Ruud silenced a packed TD Garden in Boston as he took down native Reilly Opelka 6-3 7-6(4) to secure the first point for Team Europe.

Bjorn Borg decisively said the trophy is staying in Europe and judging by the first match he might be right. Casper Ruud took on Reilly Opelka in a packed TD Garden and the Norwegian proved cold as ice. Playing great tennis from the start Ruud was able to use the slower courts to his advantage. He played with a lot of variety which proved a very smart tactic.

The Norwegian served very well keeping Opelka away from any break points while also converting two of the three he had. Most of his chances came on the 2nd serve and he used it to win the opening set with 6-3. The 2nd set was much closer as Opelka stepped up his game considerably saving both break points he faced.

Ruud also saved break points so we ended up in a tiebreak where Rudu once again found ways to frustrate Opelka. They played recently in Cincinnati and Ruud was able to win that match by besting Opelka in two close tiebreaks. That was the case here as well as Ruud closed it out with 7-4 to secure the first point for Team Europe.