'Nice and tidy': Russia beat Norway to advance to ATP Cup quarterfinals
Russian tennis players put on a superb display at the ATP Cup group stage, breezing through all of their matches and reaching the knockout phase of the newly-introduced tournament.
On Tuesday, the Russian squad sealed their third straight victory, beating Norway in the singles and doubles events.
The team’s pace was set by Karen Khachanov, who had no trouble with Viktor Durasovic, defeating him with a crushing score of 6-2, 6-1.
World number five Daniil Medvedev extended Russia’s lead with a dominant performance against Casper Ruud, 6-3, 7-6.
Nice and tidy 🧹🇷🇺 #TeamRussia finishes off group play with a 3-0 tie victory as Gabashvili/Kravchuk defeat Durasovic/Ruud 7-6(4) 6-4.#ATPCup | #Perthpic.twitter.com/i4669RUOat
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 7, 2020
Teymuraz Gabashvili and Konstantin Kravchuk cemented the team’s victory, beating Durasovic and Ruud in two sets 7-6, 6-4.
Earlier, the Russian squad, which is captained by two-time Grand Slam winner Marat Safin, defeated Teams Italy (3-0) and USA (2-1).
Have you heard?🇷🇺 #TeamRussia are through to the #ATPCup Final 8️⃣ in #Sydney! pic.twitter.com/8in5dhoEXG
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 7, 2020
In the quarterfinals, Russia will face the winner of group E, which includes Argentina, Poland, Croatia, and Austria.
The inaugural tournament, with $15mn in prize money, will conclude on Sunday.
