BASTAD, July 20, 2017

The quarterfinals of the SkiStar Swedish Open are set. Second seed and defending champion Albert Ramos-Vinolas started his title defense on Thursday with a 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 win over Brazilian Thiago Monteiro.

The World No. 24 from Spain saved six of the eight break points, converting three of his own to prevail in two hours and nine minutes.

Ramos-Vinolas will next take on compatriot and last year’s runner-up Fernando Verdasco, who eased past Facundo Bagnis of Argentina 6-3, 6-2 in one hour and 12 minutes.

#NextGenATP star Karen Khachanov saved two match points to overcome Ernests Gulbis 4-6, 7-6, 6-3. The 21-year-old Russian withstood 16 aces, hitting five of his own to prevail after two hours and 38 minutes.

Khachanov, who is seeded fifth, will next play Alexandr Dologopolov. The World No. 89 from the Ukraine knocked out ninth favourite Horacio Zeballos from Argentina 6-4, 6-4. The encounter lasted one hour and 28 minutes.

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban)