Ruud survives Giron scare to lead seeded surge in Delray Beach

Casper Ruud narrowly avoided a second-round exit at the Delray Beach Open on Thursday night, battling past American Marcos Giron 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.

The world No 13 and second seed found himself on the brink of defeat against the world No 64, who was buoyed by a first-round victory over Sho Shimabukuro. After dropping the opening set, Ruud saved match points in a tense second-set tiebreak before outlasting the home favorite in a three-hour physical battle. The Norwegian’s escape preserves his quest for a first hard-court title of the 2026 season.

Ruud’s victory sets up an anticipated quarter-final clash against Sebastian Korda. The American advanced earlier in the evening with a 6-3, 7-6 (6) win over compatriot Alex Michelsen. Korda, who has shown significant improvements in his tiebreak efficiency this season, relied on his baseline depth to overcome Michelsen’s variety in an hour and 46 minutes.

Wong’s breakdown

The second round also featured a major breakthrough for Hong Kong’s Coleman Wong. The 21-year-old qualifier stunned seventh-seeded American Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-6 (4). Wong, currently ranked world No 137, demonstrated exceptional poise in the closing stages of the second set to record the biggest win of his young career and reach his first ATP Tour quarter-final.

In other results, third seed Flavio Cobolli maintained his form with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over France’s Terence Atmane. Fritz, the two-time defending champion and top seed, headlines the field as he aims for a historic third consecutive Delray Beach title.