Australian Open: Max Purcell loses to seed Casper Ruud

Aussie entertainer Max Purcell says he has “no regrets” over his aggressive approach against world No. 11 Casper Ruud after bowing out in a thrilling match tie-break on Thursday.

The 25-year-old amped up his serve-and-volley game to the highest degree in a bid to unsettle the Norwegian star, but despite being pleased with his execution was unable to hold on in the fifth set as Ruud claimed a 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) victory.

Purcell beat Ruud at the Cincinnati Open in August but said the conditions under the roof at Margaret Court Arena were too different to expect he could replicate that performance in the second-round clash.

The roof was forced shut due to a passing shower at the end of the first set and had to remain closed for the remainder of the match under grand slam rules, but Purcell said the shift in conditions was no excuse.

“The courts didn’t get as much heat in them as I would’ve liked, but I don’t think it was going to be an issue with the weather today anyway,” Purcell said.

“I definitely committed to a more aggressive game style today – I was happy I continued it for the whole four-hour match and got so close.

“No regrets, a great match with Casper and I’m looking to take that confidence into the rest of the season.”

Ruud, who has played against Purcell since they were 12-year-old juniors, said the Australian’s relentless net play was a throwback to the 80s and 90s and difficult to adjust to when so few other opponents play the same way.

“(Purcell) has taken his tennis to a new level in the past year and it’s been fun to watch,” Ruud said on court.

“If he keeps playing like this I think he will have good chances to (earn) good results this year.

“He plays fast, serve-and-volley, one of the most unorthodox players these days.”

Purcell said he wanted to persist with his playing style to threaten the world’s best players, but warned fans it would also leave him vulnerable to the odd defeat at the hands of lower-ranked opponents.

“I think I do play a game that can trouble anyone, but in saying that there are still lower ranked guys that beat me, I’ve just got that kind of game style that disrupts rhythm,” he said.

“Anyone on an off day is going to struggle against me, and I like the fact that the way I play can beat anyone but maybe lose to anyone … I’m in with a chance every time I step on court.”

Purcell saved two match points at 5-4 down in the fifth set to force Ruud into a 10-point tie-break, but the Norwegian raced to a 5-1 lead at the first end change and could not be caught.

For four sets the Sydneysider looked the best chance of breaking his opponent, but Ruud was able to save 11 consecutive break points by landing a booming first serve on each point, with an ace causing Purcell to spin on the spot and yell in frustration.

“I think I saw in the stats 20 aces, which is not typical for me and my standards, so I’m happy with the way I was serving,” Ruud said.

The dual French Open finalist will face 19th seed Cameron Norrie in the fourth round, while Purcell will turn his attention to doubles and mixed doubles campaigns with respective Australian partners Jordan Thompson and Arina Rodionova.