The two-time finalist, Alex de Minaur, not only wants to make it three years in a row, but will go one step further this Sunday for the first time by claiming the ABN AMRO Open title.
I don’t think there are too many players here who really feel comfortable, so it’s all about finding a way and that’s what I do best. Alex de Minaur
On his way to achieving that goal, the world number 8 defeated Swiss 40-year-old wildcard veteran Stan Wawrinka, the 2015 champion on his farewell tour, 6-4 6-2 to reach the Rotterdam quarter-finals for the fifth consecutive year, keeping his opponent on the defensive with his ball consistently and quickly across the pitch.
“I think it has changed over the years,” De Minaur replied when asked why the ATP 500 event seems to bring out the best in him. “Every year I’ve come here the playing conditions have been a little bit different. A little bit slower and the balls are a little bit different so I think I’m adapting well. I don’t think there are too many players here who are really comfortable so it’s all about finding a way and that’s what I’m good at.”
Australia’s No. 1 needs three more wins to claim the title, with local hope Botic van de Zandschulp standing in his way in the next round after the Dutchman defeated 2022 finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-6(4) to reach the quarter-finals in Rotterdam for the first time. He is the fourth active Dutchman to reach the last eight at their home event.
Second seed and world number 6 Felix Auger Aliassime, last week’s Montpellier champion, successfully powered his way past a tough second-round opponent, Hamad Mejedovic, 6-4 6-4, to extend his current winning streak to six matches. Next up for the Canadian is home favorite Tallon Greekpoor.
Third seed and world number 10 Alexander Bublic defeated German veteran Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6(2) 4-6 6-3 to become the first player this season to record 10 match wins. The 28-year-old faces his first Rotterdam quarter-final in his seventh appearance at the event.
Earlier, Ugo Humbert and Jaume Munar both advanced to the quarter-finals. Frenchman Humbert backed up his victory over Daniil Medvedev with a 6-4 6-3 victory against Guy Den Ouden, while Munar upset fifth seed Karen Khachanov 7-6(8) 3-6 6-3.
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