Casper Ruud rallied from a break down in the last two sets to overcome determined Chilean Nicolas Jarry 7-6 (3), 7-5, 7-5 on Monday to earn a second quarter-final place at the French Open.
The Norwegian fourth seed who finished runner-up to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros a year ago, needed nearly three and a half hours to ensure victory.
Ruud will face a replay of the Rome semi-final which he lost barely a fortnight ago when he again takes on Dane Holger Rune in a Scandinavian showdown on the clay.
Rune, seeded sixth, won a last-gasp thriller over Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7) (super tiebreak).
The 20-year-old seized on the first match point in the new super tiebreaker fifth set format adopted at this edition to claim victory at the four-hour mark.
The dramatic end came after he failed to serve out the win leading 5-4 minutes earlier as he attempted to reach his second quarter-final here.
“I had a heartbreak loss at the Australian Open (five sets against Andrey Rublev in the fourth round) when I served for it,” Rune said.
“This time, I told myself at the start of the tiebreaker to just relax and play.
“Enjoy the tennis and try to play your best..”
Against Jarry, winner of the pre-Paris Geneva ATP event, Ruud needed to find a way to fight back as he twice trailed the hyped-up South American.
The iceman battled from 4-1 down in the second set and trailed 4-2 in the third before finally posting the victory, his 15th on clay this season.
“It was great for me – three very, very tough sets,” Ruud said. “I can thank my team for pushing me in practice.
“I’ve done the work and I felt physically good. .I was ready for more if we had gone past three sets.”
The win over Jarry meant revenge for Ruud, who lost a Geneva quarter-final to the No. 35 just 11 days ago.
Ruud fought to save 14 of 17 break points and trailed his opponent in winners 30 to 56.
“It’s tough, it’s been windy this year,” Ruud said. “I managed to do well. I was very happy I was able to neutralise his serve and win the most important points of the match.”
Main photo:- Holger Rune celebrates winning fifth set super tiebreaker by Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd
