Barcelona Open: Ruud beats Medjedovic to set up Rune clash in quarter-finals

Defending champion Casper Ruud reached the last eight of the Barcelona Open by defeating Serb qualifier Hamad Medjedovic 7-5, 7-5 at Real Club de Tenis Barcelona.

In doing so, the second seed has set up the compelling prospect of an all-Scandinavian clash against Dane Holger Rune in the quarter-finals – opponents who have not always seen eye-to-eye, even if their recent relationship has thawed.

The Norwegian was given a stern test by 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals champion Medjedovic, who twice put Ruud under pressure by going a break up in each set.

However, in both the first and second set, Ruud was able to erase the one-break deficit before striking again for a second time to clinch both sets 7-5.

The world No 10 is looking to successfully defend a tournament for the third time, having won back-to-back titles in Gstaad and Geneva (both also outdoor clay-court tournaments).

He will be relieved to have through this match in straight sets, with his title credentials being given a stern examination by the big-hitting Serb.

In the previous round of the Barcelona tournament, the Norwegian beat Colombian qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan (6-4, 6-3).

Medjedovic, ranked No 72, defeated Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (7-5, 7-6 (6)) during the first round of the Barcelona tournament.

Barcelona ATP 500, other second-round results (Real Club de Tenis Barcelona, clay, EUR 2.889.200, most recent results first):

• Jacob Fearnley vs. Alex De Minaur
• Carlos Alcaraz vs. Laslo Djere
• Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. Andrey Rublev
• Jaume Munar vs. Karen Khachanov
• Stefanos Tsitsipas (3) beat Sebastian Korda: 7-6 (4), 6-4
• Holger Rune beat Sebastian Baez: 4-6, 6-1, 6-2
• Arthur Fils (7) beat Pedro Martinez Portero: 6-3, 6-2