Finland’s number one player Emil Ruusuvuori beat Patrick Kypson in his Australian Open tennis match 4–6, 6–3, 6–4, 7–6.
Emil Ruusuvuori won his opening round match at tennis’ first Grand Slam tournament of the year at the Australian Open. He defeated the United States by Patrick Kypson in chapters 4–6, 6–3, 6–4, 7–6.
The match against Kypson, ranked 183rd in the world, lasted a little over three hours.
– Not an easy match by any means. I have to admit that the opponent showed a tougher level than I expected. He passed really well, Ruusuvuori assessed his opponent.
Finland’s number one player admitted that the beginning of the match was sticky. In fast conditions, returning Kypson’s serves caused challenges. In the opening set he won, the American served seven aces.
– Little by little, my game improved and I’m especially satisfied with the break game in the fourth set. I was able to raise the level of my game so that I didn’t go to the fifth set, Ruusuvuori said.
The match was played on outdoor field number five, which, according to Ruusvuori, caused its own spice to the match. He said that the outdoor courts, which are smaller than the stadium courts, are fast and with the wind the conditions change a little.
– I practiced a couple of times at the stadium. Outdoor courts are faster than stadium courts, there is quite a big difference, Ruusuvuori estimates.
Ranked 53rd in the world, Finland’s number one player admitted that the opening matches of tournaments can be difficult regardless of the competition.
– It may be that you are not quite ready with the conditions in the match situation yet, and often even the best have to fight to get their game rolling.
Rusuvuori will face the Russian superstar in the second round on Thursday Daniil Medvedev. He won his opening round match when his French opponent Terence Atmane had to give up in the third set.
Medvedev lost the opening set 5–7, but won the next two 6–2, 6–4 and led the third 1–0. Medvedev is third in the world rankings.
Rusuvuori has faced Medvedev before, but he has not managed to win. According to Ruusuvuori, he will face one of the best players in the tournament on Thursday.
– I have to play my best game if I want to win, but that’s what we’re aiming for. Now is a good time to put the plans in order, Ruusuvuori decided.
Emil Ruusuvuor was interviewed by Helen Scott-Smith.