Rublev goes down in Adelaide, Ruud knocked out in Auckland

While top-seeded Rublev went down to Kokkinakis in Adelaide, Ruud was beaten by Djere in the second round in Auckland.

Russia’s Andrey Rublev in action during his second-round defeat to Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain at 2023 Adelaide International at Memorial Drive on Wednesday in Adelaide, Australia. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Top seed Andrey Rublev crashed out in the second round of the Adelaide International 2 after losing 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 to local defending champion Thanasi Kokkinakis on Wednesday.

Cheered on by the home support, Kokkinakis wrapped up the match in just under two hours, hitting 35 winners and sending down 17 aces.

World number six Rublev struggled to find his form against Kokkinakis, who served incredibly well.

“He (Rublev) is a hell of a player,” Kokkinakis said in his on-court interview.

“I didn’t even play that bad a game, I just missed a couple of first serves and that second serve, that’s all it takes to go down against someone of that quality.

“I am stoked I got one of my biggest wins in front of you guys (the crowd). That’s awesome.”

Norway’s Casper Ruud reacts during his second-match match against Laslo Djere of Serbia at the 2023 ASB Classic Men’s at the ASB Tennis Arena on Wednesday in Auckland, New Zealand. | Photo Credit: GETTY IMAGES

At the Auckland Open, top seed Casper Ruud of Norway was knocked out following a 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) defeat by Laslo Djere in the evening session.

Djere was dominant from the baseline and brilliant with his serve before he came on top in the third set tie-break to record his first victory against a top-five player.

“I definitely fought hard for this one, coming back from one set down and winning the tie break. I am a bit exhausted, but also very happy,” said the Serbian.

Current British number one Cameron Norrie had a less straightforward day, needing nearly six hours to reach the quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-7(4), 6-3 win over Jiri Lehecka.

Much of that time was spent in the dressing room waiting for the wet weather to pass and the match was concluded indoors when the rain persisted.

Play had returned to the outside courts at the Auckland Open on Wednesday after being moved indoors with no crowds on Tuesday because of Cyclone Hale.

“It’s tough on the concentration,” said the world number 12, who remained unbeaten in the new season after three wins at the United Cup last week, including a victory over Rafael Nadal.

The rain was not the only problem Norrie faced and he had to dig deep to subdue the Czech after the 21-year-old had played sublime tennis to win the second set on a tiebreak.

The opening second round match on the main showcourt had lasted only one set before Argentine Diego Schwartzman, who was trailing 6-1 to American Jenson Brooksby, withdrew with a leg injury.