World number two Carlos Alcaraz battled through a spirited challenge by Ethan Quinn to reach the last 16 of the Barcelona Open as he claimed a 6-2, 7-6(6) victory on Tuesday.
The two-time Barcelona titlist rolled through the first set, breaking Quinn twice and saving all five break points faced. But ranked 126th, the American challenged Alcaraz in an up-and-down second set that saw six service breaks. Alcaraz saved a set point in the tie-break, and then sealed the win with a delicate drop shot.
“It was painful last year not to play here, so I’m happy to come back and win,” said Alcaraz, who did not play in the 2023 edition because of injury. The Spaniard is seeking his third title in the Catalan capital after winning in 2022 and 2023.
Earlier, the defending champion Casper Ruud also advanced, defeating Daniel Elahi Galan comfortably, 6-4, 6-3. Top 10 player that was, jettisoning 25 winners and seeing no break point against.
“I’m glad to be back in Barcelona. “Last year was one of the best weeks of my life,” Ruud said.
Elsewhere, Arthur Fils defeated Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6(6), 6-3, while Stefanos Tsitsipas beat Reilly Opelka 6-2, 6-2 to move through.
