Last yr’s runner-up Casper Ruud turned on the fashion on the French Open earlier than the fourth seed additionally confirmed his metal to quell Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri 6-3 6-2 4-6 7-5 and transfer into the third spherical.
The Norwegian introduced a contact of aptitude to Court Philippe Chatrier on Thursday in his stylish blue pinstriped shorts, and barely fluffed his strains early on, forcing an inexperienced Zeppieri right into a nook by badgering him from the baseline.
Ruud’s efficiency on clay this yr has ebbed and flowed, however the Estoril champion made fast work of the primary set underneath the Parisian solar after being gifted the decisive break when Zeppieri blasted a forehand lengthy.
The world No.4 raced via the subsequent set to double his benefit because the left-handed Zeppieri sprayed the errors in a nervy show earlier than regaining composure to peg Ruud again.
Ruud’s very good courtroom protection ensured he broke for a 3-2 lead within the fourth set however Zeppieri struck again to stage at 5-5 with a fiery inside-out winner, solely to give up serve instantly and permit Ruud to shut out the victory.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
