Top seed Dominic Thiem overcame a huge scare at the Rio Open to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.
The world No.4 was down a set and a break against Spain’s Jaume Munar before battling his way back to win 6/7 (5), 6/3, 6/4, after more than two hours of play. Making it the second consecutive three-set match the Austrian has played in Brazil this week. During his latest encounter with the world No.99, Thiem won 68% of his first service points compared to 70% by his opponent. However, more crucial was his ability to save six out of the eight break points he faced.
“This was the third tough match I had against Jaume [he won all of them]. I think he is ranked worst than he is playing and he played a great match today.” The 26-year-old told rioopen.com.
“He didn’t give me any free points and for sure I’m not at my best right now. I’m not where I was in Australia, but that’s normal. I’m back in clay for the first time since August, there are lots of travelling going on. In mind and body I’m not at the top level again.”
Thiem’s latest match was a test to see how his knee would fair after hurting it earlier this week by banging it on a door at the venue. Which had raised concerns about his future participation in the tournament. The pain forced him to take a medical timeout during the first round, but he didn’t need to against Munar.
“It was completely fine tonight. I don’t feel it at all anymore.” He stated. “When I entered the sides before my first round I (my knee) hit the door and I just had a very sharp pain during the first game of the second set (of his first round match).’
“I was worried because I never had any issues with my knee. But my Physio did a great job and it didn’t bother me at all today.”
Up next for Thiem will be Italian qualifier Gianluca Mager, who is currently ranked 128th in the world. Mager followed up on his surprise win over Casper Ruud in his opening match by downing Portugal’s João Domingues 6-3, 7-6(5). Mager is playing in his first ever ATP 500 event and is hoping that he can soon achieve one of his dreams of cracking the world’s top 100.
“When I started playing tennis that was my dream and I can only hope I can make it to the Top 100. I’m feeling good.” He told reporters.
“Last week I didn’t play well in Buenos Aires and then I talked to my coach and he told me that I had to stay focused, I had to keep fighting and keep working but he said that my tennis was good. Now this week I’m showing my best tennis and I’m happy.”
Another top name through to the last eight on the tournament is Croatian fifth seed Borna Coric. Who narrowly edged out home favourite and former US Open boys champion Thiago Seyboth Wild 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(5). It is the first time the 23-year-old has reached the quarter-finals of an ATP tournament since the Zhuhai Open last September.
“I knew it was going to be a really tough match, Thiago was playing in front of his home crowd and despite never playing against him before I saw his first round match and knew he would be a tough opponent”, Coric said after winning his 50th clay-court match on the tour.
“I felt like I had him after the first set but it was a shame I didn’t use the opportunity to wrap up the match then. He then got stronger and in the end was a bit unlucky. But that’s tennis and it happens sometimes. But I’m sure he has a bright future ahead.”
Coric will play Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego in the next round. Sonego stunned second seed Dusan Lajovic 7-6(5), 7-6(5).