Fernando Verdasco has eased to his second ATP quarter-final of the year after dismissing compatriot Albert Montanes 6-3, 6-2, at the Swedish Open.
The former world No.7 was one of only two seeds to successfully progress to the last eight on the third day of the tournament.
Seeded fifth in Bastad, the 32-year-old faced only one break point during the match and dropped only three points on his serve in the opening set. The win follows Verdasco’s comprehensive first round victory over Sweden’s Henri Laaksonen, whom he defeated with the same scoreline.
Verdasco will now play in his first quarter-final on the tour since the Bucharest Open in April. At that tournament the Spaniard won his first title since 2014.
“I’m happy with my way of playing,” the 2013 Swedish Open runner-up said after his match.
“I knew that it would be a tough match because he’s a solid player.”
Awaiting Verdasco in the next round will be Italian world No.230 Andrea Arnaboldi, a player who is yet to win a Challenger or ATP title. Playing eighth seed Evgeny Donskoy, the 28-year-old crushed the Russian 6-2, 6-3, to continue his dream run. Prior to the Swedish Open, Arnboldi had never won a main draw match on the ATP Tour.
Another Spanish triumph at the tournament occurred for third seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas. The French Open quarter-finalist dropped his serve twice in the opening set before battling past Roberto Carballes Baena 7-6(5), 6-3. Ramos-Vinolas is bidding to win his first ATP title at this week’s tournament.
“I think it was a good match, very tough, and I’m very happy,” the 28-year-old said after his win over Baena.
In the last eight Ramos-Vinolas will play Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis. Bagnis grabbed his second win over a top-50 player this season following a 7-5, 6-3, triumph over Spanish fourth seed Marcel Granollers. The Argentine will play in only his second ATP quarter-final after Marrakech Open earlier this year.
The other half of second round matches will take place on Thursday with the two highest seeds continuing their campaigns. Top seed David Ferrer will play French qualifier Calvin Hemery. Meanwhile, second seed Joao Sousa faces Swedish wildcard Carl Soderlund.
Highlights of Wednesdays action
