Ruud roars back after opening-game miscue in Rome

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.