By Alberto Amalfi | Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Albert Ramos-Vinolas topped second-seeded Fernando Verdasco for the second time in as many weeks, 6-4, 7-6 (4), to advance to the Gstaad quarterfinals.
Photo credit: Shanghai Rolex Masters
In a clash of Spanish left-handers, Albert Ramos-Vinolas was a sharper shot-maker again.
Ramos-Vinolas topped second-seeded Fernando Verdasco for the second time in as many weeks, 6-4, 7-6 (4), to advance to the Gstaad quarterfinals.
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Last week, Ramos-Vinolas swept Verdasco, 6-2, 6-4, in the Bastad round of 16.
This rematch was tighter and Ramos-Vinolas played cleaner tennis on pivotal points.
The world No. 85 converted two of five break points in a one hour, 42-minute triumph.
Aiming for a trip to his second straight semifinal, Ramos-Vinolas meets compatriot Roberto Carballes Baena next.
The sixth-seeded Carballes Baena beat Italian Stefano Travagli, 6-2, 6-4.
Ramos-Vinolas scored a 4-6, 6-1, 6-1, win over Carballes Baena in the Bastad quarterfinals last Friday.
Overall, the 31-year-old Barcelona-born baseliner has beaten Carballes Baena in three of their five career meetings.
In an all-Italian match-up, Thomas Fabbiano fought off fourth-seeded Lorenzo Sonego, 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-1.
Fabbiano, who celebrated his win with a quick game of table tennis, will face Cedrik-Marcel Stebe next.