The External Factor

It all depends on the timing...

Well, let me explain. Ruud and his fiancée are awaiting their first child together, and it's expected around this time. Therefore, we have Ruud on standby, ready to catch a flight back to Norway at a moment's notice. So, naturally, we have to wonder a bit how he will approach the almighty ATP 250 Auckland tournament, with this on his mind? Will he come into his match without a lot of focus and be erratic, or will it perhaps help him relax and play more freely? Or will it be the "normal" Ruud? A decent performance in the United Cup for Casper, beating ADM in straight sets but losing to Mensik. As for Marozsan, he was fine, but nothing that impressed too much in his opening round against a weakened Monfils.

Marozsan is the kind of player who can pose problems for Ruud, with his constant aggression and early ball-striking. It's a good way to stop Ruud from dictating with his FH, which he is, obviously, very good at. However, Ruud has also gotten better at handling this increasingly aggressive and high-tempo brand of tennis that is becoming more and more the norm. Marozsan has a great drop shot and is decent at the net, and that is something that can always be used against Casper. He is also someone who does not provide a lot of rhythm, which can definitely bother Casper! It can be dangerous for Ruud if he becomes too passive here (he has a habit of falling back too deeply and becoming flustered without solutions), ceding too much baseline control to Marozsan. Once he starts doing that, the drop shot becomes a real option as well...