Rune suffers surprising loss in singles as Denmark go down to Switzerland in Hopman Cup

The Hopman Cup, in its new avatar, kicked off on Wednesday in a new location, the city of Nice in France, with Denmark going down to the less-fancied Swiss team.

Clara Tauson gave the Danes a good start by beating 18-year-old Celine Naef, ranked No 157 in the world and a replacement for the injured Belinda Bencic, in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.

First points for Denmark 🇩🇰

Clara Tauson vs Céline Naef 6-2 6-3 🎾

Congratulations Clara Tauson 💥 pic.twitter.com/kgXTmRodfF

— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) July 19, 2023

However, the Danes suffered a setback as world No 6 Holger Rune, coming off a quarter-final finish at Wimbledon, went down to 21-year-old Leandro Riedi, ranked No 157 in the world, also in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.

Leandro Riedi getting the first point for team Switzerland 🇨🇭

Riedi vs Rune 6-4 6-3 pic.twitter.com/ao9Mmd8n7J

— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) July 19, 2023

The Swiss pair of Naef/ Riedi then combined to beat Tauson/ Rune 6-3, 7-5 to seal the 2-1 victory.

First day winners Switzerland 🇨🇭

Leandro Riedi & Céline Naef took on team Denmark and ended up on top with a 6-3 7-5 victory 💪🏻 pic.twitter.com/axHcxCRK0P

— Hopman Cup (@hopmancup) July 19, 2023

Denmark will now try redeem themselves on Thursday when they take on France, comprising of Richard Gasquet and Alize Cornet. The Swiss team will also take on France on Friday.

Spain, Belgium and Croatia will battle it out in the other group of the tournament.

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