In his first match in the "Magic Box", the Norwegian outclassed local tennis player Haume Munar 2:0 - 6:0, 6:1 in just over an hour of play.
As for the match itself, the final result perhaps best reflects the balance of power on the field.
Ruud broke his rival's serve five times, and had four break points in the game that went to the 38th ranked tennis player in the world.
His next opponent will be another Spaniard, Alejandro Davidovich Fokine, who was better than compatriot Pablo Carreño-Busta – 6:3, 6:3.
As a reminder, the Norwegian defeated Briton Jack Draper in last year's final and thus won his first Masters title.
The first favorite of the tournament is Janik Siner.
