BARCELONA, Spain – Casper Ruud, the sixth-ranked Norwegian, advanced to his fourth final of the year after defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets at the Barcelona Open on Saturday. Ruud secured a 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory on the outdoor clay court and will face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Dusan Lajovic in the championship match on Sunday.
Despite his impressive 10 career titles, Ruud has lost all three previous finals he has played in 2024, including last weekend’s defeat to Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo. In his semifinal triumph, Ruud needed to save a set point in the first set against Martin Etcheverry to record his season-leading 28th win.
“He could have easily won the first set,” Ruud acknowledged. “I had some set points and he had one. I am very happy with the level. It was a high quality match, the best level I have played in Barcelona.”
🔗 Source