Ruud and Zverev continue on their way

(Monte-Carlo) Casper Ruud worked hard before beating Botic van de Zandschulp 7-5, 7-6 (1) in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters on Wednesday.

Ruud, the tournament’s fourth seed, sweated profusely for two hours and 15 minutes on Monaco clay before overcoming the Dutchman, 31^e racket in the world. This victory also allowed him to narrow the gap in their career duels to 3-2.

The Norwegian, who was a finalist at the French Open last year, proved to be slightly more efficient than his opponent on serve. Moreover, he was a little more opportunistic than his rival. Ruud was thus broken four times in eight occasions, while van de Zandschulp gave up his serve five times in 13 opportunities.

Ruud, who won the Estoril tournament earlier this year, will now face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals. The latter obtained his ticket for the next round after having surprised the 14^e seeded Australian Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-2.

Among the other winners on Wednesday are Germany’s Alexander Zverev (no 13) and Chile’s Nicolas Jarry.

Daniil Medvedev, the tournament’s third seed, will meet Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego later today. The Dane Holger Rune (no 6) and the American Taylor Fritz (no 8) will also tread the Monegasque clay courts during the programme.

The Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas is the double defending champion of the event.