Day Two of the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell brings a packed schedule with some of tennis’ biggest names stepping onto the clay. World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and defending champion Casper Ruud all kick off their campaigns.
Tsitsipas vs. Opelka – A Clash on and off the Court
Stefanos Tsitsipas opens the day on Pista Rafa Nadal against big-serving American Reilly Opelka. Off-court headlines surround Opelka after revealing he was allegedly threatened by ATP officials over his support of the PTPA lawsuit — a claim that has added intrigue to his on-court return.
On court, the two are tied 1-1 in previous meetings, with Opelka winning their last clash in 2021. However, Tsitsipas, a finalist last year, is favored on clay and could be working with Goran Ivanisevic soon as his new coach.
Ruud Begins Title Defense
Casper Ruud follows Tsitsipas on centre court. The Norwegian aims to bounce back after a surprise loss to Alexei Popyrin in Monte Carlo. Ruud begins his title defense against Colombia’s Daniel Elahi Galan, hoping to gain momentum ahead of Roland Garros.
Alcaraz Returns After Monte Carlo Triumph
Fresh off winning the Monte Carlo Masters just two days ago, Carlos Alcaraz jumps straight back into action. The 21-year-old faces American qualifier Ethan Quinn. Though Alcaraz withdrew from Barcelona last year due to injury, he’s under pressure to play five straight tournaments leading into Roland Garros, including his home events in Madrid and Rome.
While fans are thrilled to see him back, some speculate an early exit this week might actually help him stay fresh for the grueling clay swing.
Other Key Matches Today
- Alejandro Davidovich Fokina takes on veteran Stan Wawrinka following a semi-final run in Monte Carlo.
- On Pista Andres Gimeno, rising French star Arthur Fils faces wildcard Pablo Carreño Busta, while Alex de Minaur plays Tomas Martin Etcheverry after dismantling Medvedev and Dimitrov last week.
- Frances Tiafoe vs. Jaume Munar and Karen Khachanov vs. Cameron Norrie round out a strong lineup.
Full Schedule – April 15, 2025
Pista Rafa Nadal
- 11:00 AM: Stefanos Tsitsipas [3] vs. Reilly Opelka
- 12:10 PM: Casper Ruud [2] vs. Daniel Elahi Galan
- 4:00 PM: Carlos Alcaraz [1] vs. Ethan Quinn
- 5:10 PM: Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs. Stan Wawrinka [WC]
Pista Andres Gimeno
- 11:00 AM: Arthur Fils [7] vs. Pablo Carreño Busta [WC]
- 12:10 PM: Alex de Minaur [5] vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry
- 1:20 PM: Frances Tiafoe vs. Jaume Munar
- 2:30 PM: Karen Khachanov vs. Cameron Norrie [Q]
Pista 2
- 11:00 AM: Sebastian Baez vs. Damir Dzumhur [LL]
- 12:10 PM: Laslo Djere [Q] vs. Arthur Rinderknech [LL]
- 2:00 PM (Doubles): Mpetshi Perricard/Olivetti vs. Erler/Frantzen
- 3:10 PM (Doubles): Arnaldi/Etcheverry vs. Salisbury/Skupski
