Casper Ruud vs Hubert Hurkacz Prediction United Cup Tennis Picks 12/30/24

Casper Ruud gave Norway something to cheer about in their opening tie against Czechia in Group B. He defeated Tomas Machac 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 in almost three hours to level at 1-1 after compatriot Malene Helgo lost to Karolina Muchova.

In the victory, Ruud hit 12 aces and six double faults and landed 65% of first serves. He won 75% of first-serve points (56/75) and 46% of second-serve points (19/41) while saving six of nine break points.

Ruud won 40% of return points (44/111) and converted three of five break points. 

Ruud was left to watch Ulrikke Eikeri and Viktor Durasovic lose the decisive mixed doubles match. It's now a must-win second tie for Norway to remain in this competition.

Hubert Hurkacz Preview

Hubert Hurkacz is starting his season at the United Cup for the third season in a row. He has won five singles matches and was part of the Polish team that suffered heartbreak in last year's final when they squandered a championship point against Germany.

Hurkacz is coming off a mixed season in which he won a maiden clay-court title in Estoril but then had to retire at Wimbledon because of a knee injury that doctors told him would keep him out of action until the 2025 Australian Open.

Luckily for the former World No. 6, he was cleared to return to competition after only a month but had to miss the Olympic Games. Hurkacz competed on the hard courts of North America and rounded off his season playing in Tokyo and Paris-Bercy.

Overall, Hurkacz compiled 41 wins and 19 losses.

Casper Ruud vs Hubert Hurkacz Head-To-Head

• Ruud and Hurkacz have met three times on the ATP Tour.

• Ruud leads their series 2-1, with his two wins coming on clay.

• Hurkacz won their lone hard-court meeting at the 2022 Montreal Masters.

Casper Ruud vs Hubert Hurkacz Prediction

Despite his strong affinity for clay courts, Ruud's competence on any surface is underrated and this is why he has been a Top 10 mainstay for a long time. Norway's slim chances of qualifying rest firmly on him, but with Hurkacz getting sufficient recuperation time for his knee during the off-season, he's got to be favored to win this match given his perennial qualities on fast surfaces.