Rublev, 17, beats Verdasco at Barcelona Open

The 17-year-old Rublev, who entered as a qualifier ranked 329th, broke the Spaniard three times while saving five break chances. (Thibault Camus/AP)

BARCELONA, Spain — Russian teen Andrey Rublev advanced to the second round of the Barcelona Open by beating former champion Fernando Verdasco 7-6 (4), 6-3 on Tuesday.

The 17-year-old Rublev, who entered as a qualifier ranked 329th, broke the Spaniard three times while saving five break chances. Rublev will next face 13th-seeded Fabio Fognini.

Also, Victor Estrella beat Dominic Thiem 6-3, 7-6 (3) and will play Marin Cilic in the second round, while seventh-seeded Roberto Bautista Agut advanced to the third round after beating Thomaz Bellucci 6-3, 6-4.

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