Top seed Dominic Thiem has continued his quest for a first ATP title on home soil after overcoming a tricky clash with Spain’s Pablo Andujar in the quarter-finals of the Austrian Open on Thursday.
The world No.4 was far from perfect during his 7-6(4), 6-4, win in Kitzbuhel. In both sets the Austrian was down an early break before fighting back to restore the lead. Breaking the Andujar serve four times in the process. Overall Thiem won 66% of his service points and saved three out of the six break points he faced.
“It was a tough one today, not my best match with a lot of breaks,” Tennis Tourtalk quoted Thiem as saying after the match. “I was 0-3 down in the second set, but managed to fight back. I often have matches like this during a tournament but the crowd helped me a lot today.”
“This is a positive sign but I want to win the tournament. However, I need to improve, otherwise it will not work out for me.” He added.
It is the first time the 25-year-old has reached the semi-finals of the tournament since 2015. It was at the Austrian Open where Thiem contested his first ATP Final back in 2014, which he lost in three sets to David Goffin.
In the next round Thiem will take on seventh seed Lorenzo Sonego, who won the Antalya Open back in June. Sonego knocked out third seed Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-4. Securing a place in the last four of an ATP Tour event for only the second time in his career at the age of 24.
“I had to save eight match points in the first round and one in the second round. Today wasn’t easy either, playing against an incredible player like Verdasco,” said Sonego.
“I have a good feeling and I enjoy every moment here. It won’t be easy against Thiem but I will try my best and then we will see.”
The upcoming match will be the first meeting between the two players. Sonego is yet to defeat anybody ranked inside the world’s top 10.
In the other section of the draw, Norway’s Casper Ruud was another player to cause an upset. Taking on fourth seed Pablo Cuevas, the 20-year-old prevailed 6-3, 7-6(4). Ruud is currently ranked 65th in the world, which is six places off his career high.
“It’s great, as I am playing well. The tournament is amazing.” He said. “They do everything they can for the players and it is such a nice Centre Court. It is really good to play here.”
Awaiting the Norwegian in the last four will be Spanish veteran Albert Ramos Vinolas, who downed Jeremy Chardy in straight sets.
