Tsonga reaches last eight
Originally published on 21/09/17 00:00
The Frenchman, who played a key role in his nation’s Davis Cup semi-final victory over Serbia last weekend, dropped just one point behind his serve in the deciding set.
The No.2 seed will take on Jan-Lennard Struff on Friday for a spot in the last four. The German, ranked No.54 in the world, was a 6-1 6-4 winner over Thomas Fabbiano.
Top seed, Roberto Bautista Agut, has also made it through to the business of the tournament after a 6-4 4-6 6-0 success over Rogerio Dutra Silva. His next opponent will be Viktor Troicki. The Serbian edged a close duel with Guido Pella 7-6(3) 4-6 6-4.
Fabio Fognini was a winner over Mikhail Youzhny while Ricardas Berankis received a walkover from Philipp Kohlschreiber.
At the Moselle Open in Metz, David Goffin was pushed to three sets by Nicolas Almagro. The Belgian eventually prevailed 3-6 6-3 6-3 and Benoit Paire will provide the No.2 seed with his next challenge. The Frenchman conceded just three games as he thrashed Marcel Granollers 6-1 6-2.
Marius Copil secured the biggest upset of the day. The big-serving Romanian blasted 15 aces as he took out the No.3 seed, Lucas Pouille, 7-6(4) 7-6(6). There were also wins for Kenny De Schepper, Mischa Zverev, Denis Istomin and Nikoloz Basilashvili.