Casper Ruud was broken in the first game but then won six on the bounce to streak into a third straight quarter-final at the Rome Masters on Tuesday.
With the threat of rain holding off at the Foro Italico, the Norwegian fourth seed dismissed Serb Laslo Djere 6-3, 6-4, taking just 69 minutes.
Rome is a special venue for Ruud, who began a clay revival here a year ago which led to a semi-final here, a title in Geneva and a French Open final against Rafael Nadal.
“Last year here I went on a streak,” the winner said after advancing on his fourth match point.
“You have to take it as it comes. take it as it comes; this week seems to be a good one for me.”
Ruud advanced with 12 winners while Djere committed 23 unforced errors.
“This was the perfect day for me – the match was not too long and I can now be ready for another tough one – I hope to still be here at the weekend.”
Ruud’s turnaround in the opening set slowed only slightly in the second, with a break of his opponent for a 3-2 lead proved to be the eventual winning margin.
“It was a great match from my side. The first point was so long, I thought we could be out there for a while.
“I was prepared for a long, tough match, this one went quicker than I expected. I was broken right away and then went on a streak.
“I stayed calm and collected, I’m very happy with the win.”
The two-time Foro Italico semi-finalist earned his first career win against Djere after two defeats.
Doping sanction victim Simona Halep has gone online to protest her own treatment by anti-doping…
Rafael Nadal lined up for what was to be the final match of his career…
Jannik Sinner took charge in front of his home crowd on Sunday, crushing ATP Finals…
Daniil Medvedev went into meltdown mode on Sunday during a highly charged 6-4, 6-3 loss, with opponent…
Jannik Sinner could well be missing from the opening European clay event of next season…
Rafael Nadal will bring down the curtain on his career next month as he plays his…