Alcaraz and Ruud Advance in Barcelona Open

Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud advance to the last 16 in the Barcelona Open. Alcaraz came from behind to defeat Ethan Quinn, while Ruud dominated Daniel Elahi Galan.

World number two Carlos Alcaraz came from a break down in the second set to defeat qualifier Ethan Quinn 6-2, 7-6(6) and reach the Barcelona Open last 16. “Last year it was very painful not to be here, so I am very happy to be able to come back and play here again, and more so to win,” Alcaraz said.

Alcaraz, a two-time Barcelona Open champion, has endured an inconsistent start to the year but is preparing to defend his French Open title. The 21-year-old is aiming for a third triumph on the clay in Barcelona, having lifted the trophy in 2022 and 2023.

Carlos Alcaraz said, “I made some mistakes, I found it hard to maintain (the right) level, but I am happy to have solved the problems that came in the second set, and to end up winning in two sets,” after defeating Ethan Quinn 6-2, 7-6(6).

Hola Barcelona! 👋🏻❤️

📸 Getty pic.twitter.com/afyKjgCEBb

— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) April 15, 2025

Alcaraz dominated the first set, saving all five break points and breaking Quinn in the third and fifth games. The second set was more intense, with both players exchanging breaks three times, forcing a tie-break. Alcaraz saved a set point and eventually won with a drop shot.

Defending champion Casper Ruud also advanced to the last 16, defeating Daniel Elahi Galan 6-4, 6-3. Alcaraz and Ruud will likely face each other in the next round.

Carlos Alcaraz being Carlos Alcaraz.

Gorgeous forehand down the line passing shot.

So much power… incredible precision.

Gifted.

pic.twitter.com/Vi3S385Jpc

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 15, 2025

Casper Ruud, the defending champion, advanced to the last 16 with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 win over Daniel Elahi Galan. Ruud dominated the match, hitting 25 winners without facing a break point. “I'm happy to be back in Barcelona and get a straight-sets win,” Ruud said, adding, ”One year ago, I had one of the best weeks of my life, so the memories come back.”

Other notable wins include Arthur Fils, who beat Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6(6), 6-3, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who crushed Reilly Opelka 6-2, 6-2. Tsitsipas, last year's runner-up, was impressive in his win.