Melbourne, Jan. 22 -- Casper Ruud and Taylor Fritz progressed to the third round of the Australian Open 2026 on Thursday with commanding straight-sets victories, keeping their hopes alive in a tournament that has already delivered thrilling action on Day 5.
Norway's Ruud, world No.13, overcame a determined Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 at a chilly Margaret Court Arena.
The three-time Grand Slam finalist recorded 35 winners in nearly two-and-a-half hours, maintaining his unbeaten record against Munar, who is also a regular training partner and friend.
An early break in the fourth game of the first set gave Ruud the upper hand, and he sealed the opening set on his sixth set point after stiff resistance from world No.39 Munar.
The Spa...