Ruud smashes defending champion Baez in Estoril

Casper Ruud is finding a very good rhythm this week at the Estoril Open as he beat defending champion Sebastian Baez 6-4 6-0 to secure the semi-finals.

Neither Ruud nor Baez have played that well this year and neither has played their best in Estoril this week. Ruud however produced a level that looks closer to his best level today and it was reflected in the result. He didn't start that well by dropping his serve immediately in the match but he did really well to break back right away.

From there we saw an even battle between the players with Baez applying decent pressure on the Norwegian. Eventually Ruud used his experience to take the opening set 6-3. The second set wasn't played that well by Baez who made far too many mistakes. Ruud was patient and confidently did what he needed to do.

6-0 was the score in the second set with the Norwegian advancing to the semi-final.