(Monte-Carlo) Casper Ruud worked hard before beating Botic van de Zandschulp 7-5, 7-6 (1) in the second round of the Monte-Carlo Tennis Masters on Wednesday.

Ruud, the fourth seed in the tournament, sweated profusely for two hours and 15 minutes on Monaco clay before overcoming the Dutchman, 31st racket in the world. This victory also allowed him to narrow the gap in their career duels to 3-2.

The Norwegian, who was a finalist at the French Open last year, proved to be slightly more effective than his opponent on serve. Moreover, he was a little more opportunistic than his rival. Ruud was thus broken four times in eight occasions, while van de Zandschulp gave up his serve five times in 13 opportunities.

Ruud, who won the Estoril tournament earlier this year, will now face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the quarter-finals. The latter earned his ticket to the next round after upsetting the 14th seed, Australian Alex de Minaur, 6-3, 6-2.

Among the other winners on Wednesday are German Alexander Zverev (no 13) and Chilean Nicolas Jarry.

Daniil Medvedev, the tournament’s third seed, will meet Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego later today. The Dane Holger Rune (no 6) and the American Taylor Fritz (no 8) will also tread the Monegasque clay courts during the program.

The Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas is the double reigning champion of the event.