STARNBERG, January 31, 2025

Thursday saw the 2025 Davis Cup season get underway with an epic encounter between Norway’s Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry, with Etcheverry eventually recording a 7-5 2-6 7-6(5) triumph in three hours 49 minutes. Casper Ruud hit back for Norway with a 6-3 6-3 win against Mariano Navone to leave the tie in Oslo level at 1-1 going into the second day of play.

What a battle!

Tomas Etchverry gives Argentina a 1-0 lead after defeating Nicolai Budkov Kjaer7-5, 2-6, 7-6#DavisCup pic.twitter.com/B3ClJrlEKM

— Davis Cup (@DavisCup) January 30, 2025

“It was a tough match, a great battle,” said Etcheverry. “I don’t know how long the match was. I’m really happy to get the victory, it was really important for my country. I knew it was a point I needed to get. I think [this match] was key for the tie. I spoke with my captain and he said it was a really important point – and I got it, so I’m happy.”

Eight more Qualifiers first round ties began on Friday, with the action starting in Japan, where Kei Nishikori lost to Great Britain’s Jacob Fearnley. Later in the day, Alex de Minaur is up against Mikael Ymer in the opening match of Australia’s clash with Sweden in Stockholm, while Holger Rune will play Hamad Medjedovic in Denmark’s home tie against Serbia. The remaining four ties in the Qualifiers first round begin on Saturday.

“It’s exciting, it’s going to be interesting,” said Rune. “It has been a while since we played each other. I haven’t played or practised with Hamad [Medjedovic] for a while so it will be interesting to see his level. This Denmark team has a really cool vibe, and I cannot wait for tomorrow. It is going to be a hell of an atmosphere and I am going to fight with all my heart for my country.”