Second seed Diego Schwartzman dropped just four games on route to the quarter-finals of the German Open.
The world No.12, who is seeking his third ATP title this week, eased his way past Germany’s Daniel Masur 6-2, 6-2. Winning 79% of his first service points and saving all six of the break points he faced. Wednesday’s triumph is the first time Schwartzman has managed to win back-to-back matches in a tournament since the French Open.
“I feel great. Always when I win I feel happy.” The Argentine told atpworldtour.com.
“I think the match was not as easy as the score suggested. We played a lot of good games, long games.
“I’m happy to be in the quarters here in Hamburg and I’m going to try to do better than last year and be in the semifinals.”
Bidding to reach the semi-finals of a tournament for only the second time this season, the 25-year-old will next take on compatriot Leonardo Mayer. Mayer, who won the tournament back in 2017, battled past France’s Gael Monfils 6-1, 7-5. Achieving his first ever tour win against him. Mayer has won the German Open on two previous occasions, but is yet to win a ATP title elsewhere.
There was no luck for eighth seed Fernando Verdasco. The Spanish veteran was edged out 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, by Brazilian world No.146 Thiago Monteiro. Monteiro, who entered the draw as a lucky loser, will play in only his second ATP quarter-final of 2018 against Jozef Kovalík. The Slovak player defeated Rudolf Molleker 6-4, 6-0.
Earlier in the day Richard Gasquet withdrew from the draw due to an abductor injury. The Frenchman entered Hamburg in solid form after reaching the final of the Swedish Open last week before losing to Fabio Fognini. As a result of Gasquet’s Injury, Nicolas Jarry will play either John Millman or top seed Dominic Thiem in the last eight.
Thursday’s order of play at the German Open
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