Ruud, initially leading 4-2 in the first set, faced a loss of concentration but managed to save two set points at 6-5 down against Etcheverry, ultimately pushing the match to a tiebreak
Nadal is participating in only his second tournament of the year, his first since January, where he reached the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 in Brisbane.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion had hip surgery last summer and this year has played only three competitive matches — in Brisbane before skipping the Australian Open.
