World No.54 Casper Ruud was the toast of Norway on Friday after leading his nation to an upset ATP Cup victory over the US in Perth.

With Norway trailing 1-0 in the tie, Ruud had to save two match points before toppling world No.19 John Isner 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (12-10) 7-5 in two hours and 43 minutes.

Norway then came from a set down to win an epic doubles encounter 4-6 6-3 10-5 (match tiebreak), with the result handing them a shock 2-1 win in the tie.

Norway were meant to be easybeats at the ATP Cup, but their courage-filled triumph over the US will put their Group D rivals on edge.

“I think there are some people at home following, proud that Norway have beaten the United States in tennis,” Ruud said.

“I think I made a great effort today.

“We were one point away from losing the tie, and even if I’d lost (against Isner) 7-6, 7-6, I wouldn’t have thought I’d done a lot wrong.

“We tried to play aggressively in the doubles, against two good doubles players, but we’re good singles players and tried to win our way, not coming to the net a lot. We’re very happy to beat Team United States.”

World No.32 Taylor Fritz got the US off to a good start when he posted a 6-2 6-2 victory over world No.332 Viktor Durasovic.

But the US decision to partner Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram together in the live mixed doubles backfired, with Ruud and Durasovic coming up with the goods.