This time, there’s a real chance things will get stuck.

Darderi is still in the running in this tournament, but it’s getting tougher and tougher and it’s not going to get any easier.

Another stunning victory from Darderi against Jodar in a match that ended at 2 a.m. After a battle of more than three hours, a brief interruption and plenty of twists and turns.

The Italian prevailed mentally but also physically, with Jodar completely falling apart and cramping in the final set. That’s twice now that the Italian has pulled this off, and even if he seems impossible to beat this week, given how much he plays with his heart, there will be a limit. We have to be realistic: after such a battle that finished so late, it’s going to leave its mark.

Yes, he did get a day of rest, but I still don’t have much hope of seeing him back at 100%, ready to go to war again, because, let’s be clear, that’s exactly what awaits him against Ruud.

The Norwegian is getting back to his best level, and it was about time. Despite a second set that was completely off after a pause, then against Khachanov, he finished strong and still made a big impression. This slow clay suits him particularly well and you can feel it: he can either extend the rallies or simply dictate with his forehand. We’re seeing a very good version of Ruud this week, and when he plays at this level, he’s simply one of the best clay-courters in the world.

This will be the first meeting between the two. I’m not confident about Darderi for several reasons. Obviously the physical aspect, with Ruud being ten times fresher. And even in general, he’s the stronger one physically. I also have major doubts about the match-up for Darderi, because we’ve seen him in grinder-counterpuncher mode all week. And Ruud likes to have the game in his hands. I’d even go further and say he wants to dictate play. Darderi needs to be careful not to drop too far back and surrender the initiative. Anyway, since he’s cooked, he’ll have to give everything right from the start or risk getting dragged into a match that’s a bit too long for him.