Griekspoor Grinds Out Madrid Win, Faces Rune Next

The grueling clay court battles are well underway at the Madrid Masters, with Dutch No. 24 seed Tallon Griekspoor digging deep to overcome a stern test from Japanese veteran Taro Daniel in a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory on Friday evening at the Caja Magica.

Griekspoor, currently ranked a career-high No. 25, had to summon all his tenacity and shotmaking prowess to fend off the 85th-ranked Daniel, who had scored an impressive first round win over Aussie Aleksandar Vukic. The opening set went the way of the Japanese after he landed a barrage of deep returns to keep Griekspoor pinned behind the baseline.

However, the 26-year-old Dutchman quickly reasserted himself in set two, utilizing his potent forehand to unleash a succession of stinging winners and turn the tables. As the pair entered the decisive third set on virtually even terms, it was Griekspoor who raised his game another notch, repeatedly moving forward to claim control of rallies with venomous approach shots and deft net play.

With a hard-earned two-hour triumph secured, the in-form Griekspoor turns his attention to an enticing third round showdown with rising Danish star Holger Rune. The talented 11th seed battled through his own marathon against Argentine qualifier Mariano Navone, prevailing 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4 after two hours and 44 minutes of grueling action.

The 19-year-old Rune has enjoyed a breakout season thus far, claiming his maiden ATP title in Munich last month and climbing to a career-best ranking of No. 9. He’ll undoubtedly provide a formidable test for Griekspoor, who is bidding to reach the second ATP Masters 1000 quarterfinal of his career.

With plenty of drama still to unfold in the Spanish capital, the third round tussle between the hard-hitting Griekspoor and the rapidly rising Rune promises to be an enthralling matchup as both men vie to keep their Madrid campaigns alive.

Other key results saw world No. 4 Casper Ruud defeat Miomir Kecmanovic, Karen Khachanov get past Roberto Bautista Agut, and Rafael Nadal set up a blockbuster clash with Aussie Alex de Minaur after dismissing American Ben Shelton in straight sets.