The match between Casper Ruud, World number 12, and Alex de Minaur, World number 7, was one of the matches, if not the match, with such a high level of play and such intensity in the ball striking. De Minaur is highly expected in this United Cup on home soil in Australia, and this match was the highlight of Saturday, January 3rd, 2026.

The level of play produced by the two players was monstrous, with Casper Ruud more than responding to the challenge by injecting such intensity into each of his shots, and de Minaur delivering a very good match physically but lacking of consistency compared to his usual form.

The one who surprised us was Casper Ruud because we knew he was dangerous on clay with his very high topspin, but here he was able to adapt his game to hard courts and this promises very interesting days ahead if he manages to maintain this level with the Australian Open approaching.