Ruud keeps up his solid form to reach the last 16 in Madrid
Casper Ruud continues to make headway in Madrid. The 25-year-old is changing his status. A finalist in Monte-Carlo (beating Djokovic in the semi-finals) and, above all, a winner in Barcelona (the most prestigious title of his career), the Norwegian continues to make a name for himself.
The world no. 6, a real terror on clay, is doing very well in Madrid. The change in altitude doesn't seem to have fazed him. After a quiet victory over Kecmanovic in his first match (6-4, 6-1), he didn't seem to be shaking much this Monday.
Facing Cameron Norrie, a player who had beaten him at the last Australian Open, Ruud strolled away again. Winning in just 1 hour 19 minutes (6-2, 6-4), the two-time French Open finalist put in a very solid performance (19 winners, 9 unforced errors).
Without forcing his luck, he quietly reached the last 16. In the next round, he will face Félix Auger-Aliassime, who benefited from Mensik's withdrawal (6-1, 1-0 ab.).
With his level of play on ochre, can Casper Ruud be considered a contender for the French Open title or even the Olympic Games? The question is certainly open to debate.
Madrid 
