Harris was in control of the game and was well on his way to victory before a lapse in concentration gave Ruud the break he needed in the second set.

Ruud managed to save eight break points in the second set but took his one chance on offer.

Harris was by far the most dominant of the two players for most of the first two sets and he did start mounting a comeback attempt towards the backend for the third set. But it was too little, too late for the world number 31.

The world number ten sent the South Africa packing with a 6-7, 6-4, and 6-4 win. Ruud next faces Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman.

Ruud admitted that Harris didn’t make it easy for him and he was fortunate to win the thrilling game.

“It was a very tough match and I was fortunate to get through in the end

“There were only some points here and there that decided this match. I saved a lot of breakpoints and in crucial points I stepped up my game.

“It was frustrating because Lloyd was playing well and I was not really feeling the groove like I felt in the first match and in the end, I was fortunate to get through.”

Meanwhile, Kevin Anderson, will be targeting a spot in the round of 16 when he comes up against Gael Monfils of France on Tuesday evening.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport