Ruud Reaches Barcelona Final; Fritz Advances to Munich Final

BARCELONA OPEN BANC SABADELL—Barcelona, Spain

Two-time French Open finalist Casper Ruud advanced to Sunday’s final in Barcelona, Spain on Saturday, defeating No. 13 seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(4), 6-4.

In a match that lasted one hour and 57 minutes, Ruud used his dominate forehand to break serve on three occasions and win 79 percent of his first serve points.

Improving to 2-0 against Etcheverry in lifetime meetings, Ruud will await the winner of the day’s second match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dusan Lajovic.

Ruud and Tsitsipas contested the Monte Carlo Masters final last weekend, with the Greek star prevailing in straight sets.

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BMW OPEN—Munich, Germany

No. 2 seed and two-time defending champion Holger Rune had his 11-match winning streak in Munich, Germany snapped on Saturday, losing in comprehensive fashion to Jan-Lennard Struff 6-2, 6-0.

In a match that lasted only 45 minutes, Struff won 95 percent of his first serve points, 66 percent of his second serve points and broke his opponent on five occasions.

Reaching the fourth final of his career, Struff will next play No. 3 seed Taylor Fritz.

The American reached his first-ever clay-court final by ousting Cristian Garin, 6-3, 6-4.

Fritz owns seven career titles.

*****

TIRIAC OPEN—Bucharest, Romaina

Hungarian Marton Fucsovics advanced to his fourth career ATP Tour final on Saturday in Bucharest, Romaina, defeating No. 4 seed Alejandro Tabilo 6-4, 6-4.

Hitting 12 aces during the one hour and 24 minute contest, Fucsovics also won 77 percent of his first serve points.

The 32-year-old will next face No. 5 seed Mariano Navone or qualifier Gregoire Barrere in Sunday’s final.

Navone dismissed top seed Francisco Cerundolo 5-7 6-4 7-5 earlier in the day in a match that was canceled on Friday due to rain.

*****

Watch all the action live this week from the ATP Tour on Tennis TV.