Fritz Faces Ruud in Tense Madrid Open Showdown

Madrid, Spain – Taylor Fritz will take on Casper Ruud in the round of 16 at the 2025 ATP Madrid Open on April 29. Both players have received byes in the first round, with Fritz seeded third and Ruud seeded 14th.

Ruud advanced through the second and third rounds easily, defeating Arthur Rinderknech and Sebastian Korda in straight sets. In contrast, Fritz started strong, winning his match against Christopher O’Connell in straight sets before a more challenging third-round encounter against Benjamin Bonzi, which ended when Bonzi retired due to back pain after losing the second set.

The players have a competitive history, with Ruud leading their head-to-head record at 2-1. The rivalry intensified during last year’s US Open, where Fritz came back from a set down to eliminate Ruud in the round of 16. However, Ruud won their first meeting in the finals at the 2022 Nitto ATP Finals and their rematch at Roland Garros in 2024.

This season, both players have had mixed results. Fritz boasts a record of 14-6, while Ruud stands slightly ahead at 15-6. Fritz had a strong semifinal run in Miami but has not advanced past the quarterfinals in other tournaments. Ruud, meanwhile, has found his rhythm on clay, securing dominant victories in Madrid.

Experts consider this match even, but Ruud’s exceptional clay court performance may tip the scales in his favor. Having won 11 of his 12 titles on clay, Ruud’s experience makes him a formidable opponent for Fritz.

Fritz, however, has shown resilience, winning four of his last five matches. The conditions in Madrid are quick, favoring his powerful serve but potentially exposing his returning game, which may pose a challenge against Ruud’s loopy forehand.

The match is set to begin not before 10 a.m. UK time and can be viewed on Sky Sports Tennis in the UK and on Tennis Channel in the US. As both players prepare to clash, fans eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling encounter on the clay.

Fritz will need to bring his best performance to even the series against Ruud and advance to the quarterfinals.