Second seed and defending champion Albert Ramos-Vinolas began his title defence with a 3-6 6-4 6-3 victory over Thiago Monteiro. While Karen Khachanov saved two match points to beat Ernests Gulbis 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3.
The world number 24 was put through his paces in the 2 hour and 10 minute battle against the clay court specialist from Brazil. The points won on the second serve was the key to Ramos-Vinolas’ victory as he won 60% of these points compared Monteiro’s 43%, which simply isn’t good enough at this level. The Spaniard converted three out of is five break point opportunities to seal an important victory. The win means it’s his 27th victory of the season and a boost to his ATP World Tour ranking.
Ramos-Vinolas has set up a repeat of last year’s Skistar Swedish Open final with sixth seed Fernando Verdasco. The world number 39 was in fine form as he comfortably beat Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis 6-3 6-2 in 1 hour and 12 minutes. Verdasco took an easier route than his compatriot as he broke five time to ensure his place in the last eight. Heading into tomorrow’s match Verdasco leads the head to head 4-2, although Ramos-Vinolas won their last meeting on clay in last year’s final. The pair are currently tied at 1-1 in Bastad.
In the top half of the draw fifth seed Karen Khachanov saved two match points as he defeated Ernests Gulbis 4-6 7-6(5) 6-3 in an 2 hour and 40 minute epic. The Russian saved the match points at 4-5 and 5-6 down in the second set, before clinching victory in the final set. The win means it’s Khachanov’s fourth ATP World Tour Quarter-Final at the age of 21. He will now play erratic Ukranian Alexandr Dolgopolov, who only lost five points on his first serve to defeat Horacio Zeballos 6-4 6-4.
