Top seed Dominic Thiem has secured a place in the last eight of the Hamburg Open after dismissing Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in straight sets.
The world No.4 overcame a tight opener before seeing off Fucsovics 7-5, 6-1, after just over an hour and a half of play in the humid heat. Thiem had six break point opportunities during the first six games of the match, but was unable to convert any. In the end, the Austrian prevailed whilst leading 6-5 after a lost forehand from Fucsovics landed out. Handing him the break and the first set. In contrast, the second was more straightforward with Thiem dropping only one point behind his serve on route to victory.
“The first set was very close. I think I only made one out of nine (break point) chances. I was happy that the set didn’t go into the tiebreak.” Thiem said during an interview with TennisTV.
“The second set was good, everything got easier. I’m going off the court with a good feeling.”
Clinching his 251st win on the ATP Tour, the 25-year-old won 26 out of 28 points behind his first serve. Furthermore, he also produced four aces and 20 winners during his second round clash.
Thiem’s next test will be Russia’s Andrey Rublev, who will play his first quarter-final match on the tour since the Marseille Open back in February. Rublev, who defeated eighth seed Christian Garin in his first match, edged out Norway’s Caper Ruud. Fighting back from a set and a break down to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
“I’m looking forward to the match against Andrey, who is a really good friend of mine.” Said Thiem.
“He is an amazing player and we had two great matches in the past. I’m happy to be playing against him for a spot in the semis.”
Elsewhere at the Am Rothenbaum Jeremy Chardy prevailed in his all-French clash with Richard Gasquet. The world No.77 required almost two hours to defeat his compatriot 7-6(5), 7-5. The two players also recently paired up to play in the doubles draw, but lost in the first round.
“I’m really happy with my match today. It was a big fight from the first point until the last.” Said Chardy.
“Richard is an amazing player and my friend too. Nobody wanted to lose today.”
Chardy will play either defending champion Nikoloz Basilashvili or Juan Ignacio Londero next.
