Macau Tennis Masters 2024: Casper Ruud topples Kei Nishikori as Muchova and Rublev shine in mixed doubles

Christmas may be upon us but tennis never sleeps and the opening day of action at the Macau Tennis Masters took place which sees Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, Karolina Muchova and Kei Nishikori as the leading lights.

Ruud faced off against Kei Nishikori in the main men's match of the day which saw the Norwegian claim a come from behind 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 win over the former World No.4 who has returned this year to showing glimmers of form.

But it was Ruud who won through who seems to have a knack of playing these exhibitions albeit Rublev has been playing more and has been in two exhibitions in the past week.

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He played World Tennis League and then jetted off to Macau to play over December 24-25. He spurned multiple match points and nearly handed Juncheng Shang an opportunity in their opening singles tie. The players are representing either Li Na or Michael Chang with Rublev and Muchova on the same team while Xinyu Wang and Juncheng Shang are with Li Na.

Rublev won in the end 6-3, 6-4 and headed into their mixed doubles clash in what was an entertaining affair as the Russian-Czech duo shone with their cameraderie on court and a showcase again of how good Muchova is when she is on top form even whilst playing doubles as she took the game to the Chinese duo.

Rublev and Muchova prevailed 6-4, 6-3 and hand their captain Chang a 4-3 lead going into the second day which takes place on Christmas Day over the two day extravaganza in Macau. Muchova will then fly to Australia to play United Cup as will Ruud from those involved so it is good preparation.

“I’m here to play some matches, which is always nice ahead of the Aus Open swing. Of course I need matches but I’m feeling better & better. The prep is going really good," she said pre tournament.

This after an incredible end ot the season which saw her reach the US Open semi-final amid a threat of losing most of her ranking points and up until getting injured in China, she was one of the best players on the planet. While Rublev has been superb both in WTL and now in Macau.