Geneva Open 2025: Ruud beats Brooksby, Popyrin and Munar also advance
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Casper Ruud opened his Geneva Open 2025 campaign in commanding fashion on Tuesday, 19 May, defeating Jenson Brooksby 6-3, 7-5 in straight sets to advance to the second round at the ATP 250 event in Geneva, Switzerland. The Norwegian clay-court specialist wrapped up the win in just 92 minutes, barely allowing Brooksby a foothold throughout.
Ruud's Dominant Display
World No. 17 Ruud was clinical from the baseline, registering 21 winners against only 12 unforced errors — numbers that reflect the tactical discipline he has carried through his European clay swing. His trademark heavy topspin and deep groundstrokes kept Brooksby pinned behind the baseline for long stretches, leaving the American with little opportunity to dictate on his own terms.
The result continues a productive clay-court stretch for Ruud, who reached the final of the Rome Masters just days prior, where he fell to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Sinner, notably, recently became only the second player in history to complete the Career Golden Masters. Despite the demanding back-to-back schedule, Ruud appeared physically fresh in Geneva.
Brooksby Struggles on Clay
Brooksby, ranked world No. 60, has now suffered five consecutive defeats on clay this season. The slower surface continues to expose the limitations of his defensive style, a stark contrast to his form on hard courts earlier in the year — which included a quarterfinal run in February. He was unable to replicate that level in Switzerland.
What Ruud Said
'This stretch of tournaments is quite a lot, but they are nice tournaments, and I like playing here. I like playing on clay. I try to use the clay season the most I can, and every time I come to Geneva, I have a good result at Roland Garros, so let's hope to keep that tradition going,' Ruud said after the match.
Ruud is a two-time French Open finalist and a three-time Geneva Open champion, giving him exceptional pedigree at this event. He will next face either Adrian Mannarino or Raphael Collignon in the second round.
Popyrin Survives Three-Set Battle
Alexei Popyrin advanced after a gruelling three-set contest against French qualifier Clement Tabur, eventually prevailing 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-4. The win sets up a second-round clash with top seed Taylor Fritz, who is returning to competition for the first time since March in Miami and faces an immediate test after Popyrin's gritty showing.
Munar Cruises Through
Eighth seed Jaume Munar was the most emphatic winner of the day, dismantling American qualifier Nishesh Basavareddy 6-0, 6-3 in just 75 minutes. The Spaniard will next face Argentina's Francisco Comesana as the draw begins to take shape. With several seeds progressing smoothly, the Geneva Open's middle rounds are set to deliver compelling clay-court tennis ahead of Roland Garros.