Thiago Monteiro vs Casper Ruud Prediction: Ruud Hopes to Follow Up Strongly

Casper Ruud of Norway will face Brazilian player and 71st-ranked Thiago Monteiro on the fourth day of the 2023 United Cup, which will be contested on Sunday, January 1.

After nearly two hours of play, Monteiro was unable to break through Matteo Berrettini's defenses in their first United Cup match.

Monteiro, who was 19/5 to beat Berrettini, blew two set points in the second set before falling 6-4, 7-6 (7) to the Italian.

In a match with only two break-point opportunities - both for Berrettini - Monteiro's inability to break his opponent's serve proved decisive. Nonetheless, the Brazilian will be happy with his performance on a surface that isn't his favorite, since he won 72% of his first serve points.

Ruud had a memorable season in 2022, winning three championships and performing well in Grand Slams for the first time.

Ruud reached his first Grand Slam final at the French Open before losing in straight sets to Rafael Nadal. And, as if to prove his critics wrong – those who have labeled him a one-dimensional clay-court specialist — Ruud also reached the title-decider stage at the US Open.

Ruud would have moved to number one in the world if he had won the title at Flushing Meadows, a conclusion that nobody could have predicted a few months ago despite Ruud's exploits on clay.

Monteiro will think he has a greater chance against Ruud if he performs as well as he did in the opening. Ruud's greater pedigree makes him a tough favourite to win today in straight sets, but Monteiro has proven what he's capable of outside of clay. We could see him put up a fight again.