🎾 ATP Barcelona: Casper Ruud vs Hamad Medjedovic

🎾 ATP Barcelona: Casper Ruud vs Hamad Medjedovic – Match Preview

🧠 Form & Context

🇳🇴 Casper Ruud

• Defending champion: Won this title in 2024 without dropping a set (def. Tsitsipas in final)
• Clay record: 11 career clay titles, known for heavy topspin and grinding baseline play
• 2025 form: Inconsistent season with only one QF appearance so far
• Ranking pressure: A Monte Carlo R16 loss to Popyrin puts his Top 10 ranking under threat

🇷🇸 Hamad Medjedovic

• Big-match potential: Defeated Tsitsipas in Doha and Medvedev in Marseille (2024)
• Finding rhythm: Won two qualies and defeated Mpetshi Perricard in R1 to reach 2R
• Seeking milestone: Aiming for his first ATP 500 QF
• Surface test: Still developing consistency and stamina on clay

🔍 Match Breakdown

Ruud’s game is purpose-built for clay. His patience, spin, and elite movement on dirt give him a structural edge over Medjedovic, who prefers aggressive first-strike patterns and quick points.

If Medjedovic gets off to a hot start with his forehand and serve, he can steal a set. But Ruud will likely absorb the pace, drag the Serb into long exchanges, and chip away with consistency and court coverage.

🔮 Prediction

Pick: Casper Ruud to win in 3 sets

Medjedovic has the weapons to rattle Ruud, but not the durability to finish the job. Expect fireworks early, but Ruud’s experience and surface mastery should lead him to the quarterfinals.