Ruud Earns Dominant Win In Bastad

Former Nordea Open champion Casper Ruud began his quest for an 11th tour-level title in style on Thursday when he cruised past Alexander Shevchenko 6-2, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals in Bastad.

The top seed was in control throughout the 79-minute clash at the ATP 250 clay-court event, hitting his heavy topspin backhand with precision to outlast the World No. 96 in baseline exchanges.

Ruud now holds an 18-6 record on clay this season and will next face Austrian Sebastian Ofner after the 27-year-old defeated Spaniard Bernabe Zapata Miralles 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The Norwegian Ruud, who lifted the trophy in Bastad in 2021, is chasing his second tour-level crown of the season, after triumphing on clay in Estoril. The 24-year-old is currently eighth in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin and is seeking a deep run to further consolidate his position. Ruud advanced to the title match at the Nitto ATP Finals last year.