The Miami Open witnessed a pair of significant upsets on Friday as Casper Ruud and Jack Draper, both seeded players, were eliminated in the second round. The tournament, held in Miami Gardens, Florida, saw the Norwegian and the Brit fall to American opponents in matches impacted by persistent rain delays.
Casper Ruud, the No. 12 seed and a former world No. 2, was defeated by 22-year-vintage Ethan Quinn, ranked 56th, in straight sets. The final score was 6-4, 7-6 (9/7). Quinn’s victory marks the first time he has defeated a player ranked within the top 15, having previously gone 0-5 against that caliber of opponent. The match, played under overcast skies, saw Ruud struggle to find his rhythm against the rising American.
Draper’s return to form after a lengthy injury layoff was halted by Reilly Opelka, a towering American server. Draper, who won the Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells last year before being sidelined by injury between September 2025 and February 2026, lost to Opelka 7-6 (7/3), 7-6 (7/0). Opelka’s dominant serving performance, highlighted by 25 aces, proved too much for Draper to overcome. The match was a tight affair, with both sets requiring tiebreaks, but Opelka ultimately controlled the key moments.
The early exits of Ruud and Draper represent a shakeup in the men’s draw at the Miami Open. For Ruud, this loss comes as a setback as he aims to regain his top form after a relatively quiet start to the 2026 season. He had been hoping for a strong showing in Miami to build momentum heading into the clay court season. Draper, meanwhile, was looking to build on his Indian Wells triumph from the previous year, but Opelka’s power proved a difficult obstacle in his comeback tournament.
Opelka’s performance was particularly noteworthy. His ability to consistently land first serves, winning 87% of his first-serve points (47/54), was a crucial factor in his victory. In contrast, Draper managed 82% on his first serve (37/45). The difference in ace count – 25 for Opelka and just seven for Draper – underscored the American’s dominance in that area. This serving prowess allowed Opelka to dictate play and consistently put pressure on Draper’s service games.
The rain delays that plagued the early part of the day added an extra layer of challenge for both players. Adjusting to the changing conditions and maintaining focus proved difficult, and it’s possible the disruptions impacted the rhythm of both Ruud and Draper. Tournament officials worked to keep the schedule on track, but the weather remained a significant factor.
The tournament continues with other notable players still in contention, including Carlos Alcaraz, who is scheduled to play Fonseca. The results from Friday, though, serve as a reminder that even top seeds are vulnerable in the early rounds of these prestigious Masters 1000 events. The Miami Open is known for its unpredictable nature, and this year is already living up to that reputation.
For Draper, the loss is a disappointing end to his return from injury. He will undoubtedly look to regroup and prepare for the upcoming clay court season, where he hopes to rediscover the form that saw him achieve success in 2025. Ruud, similarly, will need to analyze his performance and make adjustments as he looks to get his season back on track.
Ethan Quinn’s victory over Ruud is a significant milestone in his career. It’s a result that will undoubtedly boost his confidence and ranking as he continues to develop as a professional tennis player. He now faces a challenging path forward in the tournament, but he has already proven he is capable of upsetting higher-ranked opponents.
The Miami Open continues to deliver compelling action, and fans can expect more surprises as the tournament progresses. The combination of top-tier talent, challenging conditions, and unpredictable results makes it one of the most exciting events on the ATP Tour calendar.
Next up, all eyes will be on Carlos Alcaraz as he takes to the court. The schedule for the remainder of the tournament will depend on weather conditions, but fans can stay updated through the official ATP Tour website and social media channels.
