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Fresh from a semi-final appearance at the Monte-Carlo Masters, where he lost in three set to eventual runner-up Lorenzo Musetti, the Australian's strong start to the clay court season continued with a straight sets dismantling of his 46th-ranked opponent. 

On a star-studded day in BArcelona, four-time finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas eased past big-serving Reilly Opelka 6-2, 6-2 to improve to 7-0 in opening rounds at the event.

Tsitsipas, who has reached the Barcelona final in four of the previous six editions (2018, ‘21, ‘23, ‘24), adopted a deep return position and ultimately capitalised on 35 unforced errors from Opelka.

“I’m happy with the way I found relief through fighting, particularly in the difficult moments when he was serving,” Tsitsipas said. “I knew the serve was going to be the trickiest part.

“I got a few metres back [returning] and used that space effectively. I felt I was able to return way more returns than initially expected. I kept my cool when I had to, it was a good win.”

With his 21-6 record in Barcelona, Tsitsipas trails only Kei Nishikori (24-7) for the best among active players. The No. 16 in the ATP Rankings has set a second-round meeting with American Sebastian Korda.

Defending champion Casper Ruud also ensured it was a winning return to Barcelona. The second seed delivered an assured 6-4, 6-3 performance over qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan to advance. 

Ruud served back-to-back double faults to fall to 4-4, 0/30 in the first set, but crucially reeled off eight of the final nine points of the opener to swing the momentum in his favour.

“I was able to win some good points from 4-4, 0/30 down, I held serve and broke him right away… That’s a little bit of a steal, I would say,” said Ruud, who will next face Hamad Medjedovic. “All in all, I’m very happy with the match, and the win.

“I had many chances in the beginning that I couldn’t take, but we got there in the end. I’m happy to be back in Barcelona and get a straight-sets win. One year ago, I had one of the best weeks of my life, so the memories come back.”

While Ruud landed just 52 per cent of his first serves in the opening set, he was able to back up his second deliveries with venom. The Norwegian won 76 per cent of points behind his second serve and hit 25 winners during the one-hour, 30-minute clash.

Another Monte-Carlo semi-finalist, Arthur Fils, sealed his spots in the second round with a 7-6 6-3 win over wild card Pablo Carreno Busta.

The Frenchman was forced to rally from a break down and saved two set points in the opening set before motoring into the second round, where he faces Pedro Martinez.