Dimitrov edges past Ruud to qualify for Monte Carlo Masters Quarter-finals

FRANCE: Grigor Dimitrov continued his outstanding run in the ongoing Monte Carlo Masters as he upset Casper Ruud in the third round to qualify for the quarter-finals, here on Thursday.

The World number 29 Dimitrov is enjoying an exceptional tournament in the clay-court event as he stunned the fourth seed Ruud in his latest triumph.

With this victory, Dimitrov has booked his place in the last eight of the tournament after 2013 and 2015. He also booked a semi-final spot in 2018.

The Bulgarian tennis star displayed complete domination and control, stepping deep behind the baseline at times to take large cuts at the ball. He completed his victory over Ruud by 6-3, 7-5 in an hour and 31 minutes to advance into the quarter-finals of the tournament.

In another third-round match, Taylor Fritz thumped Sebastian Kroda 7-6(4), 7-5 in the All-American clash to book a spot in the quarter-finals.

Kroda, who stunned the Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, could not carry on his momentum as he suffered a crushing defeat by his countryman.

With a victory in the third round, Fritz will now play Marrakech champion David Goffin or Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who shocked World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the second round.