Barcelona Open champion Ruud cruises into last 16
Norwegian Ruud put heavy pressure on Galan's serve before securing the only break of the first set in the 10th game.
Casper Ruud of Norway returns a shot against Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina during Day 8 of the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium on March 25, 2025 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Picture: Getty Images via AFP.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - Defending Barcelona Open champion Casper Ruud sailed into the last 16 with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Daniel Elahi Galan on Tuesday.
The world number 10, targeting his first trophy of the season, blew away his Colombian opponent, hitting 25 winners and without facing a break point.
Norwegian Ruud put heavy pressure on Galan's serve before securing the only break of the first set in the 10th game.
In the second set Ruud broke for a 4-2 lead and served it out.
Earlier France's Arthur Fils beat Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, while last year's runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas crushed giant American Reilly Opelka 6-2, 6-2.
Later Tuesday, Carlos Alcaraz, who won the Monte Carlo Masters title last Sunday, faces American Ethan Quinn in the first round.