Hanfmann upsets Dominic Thiem in thrilling European Open Clash: advances to quarterfinals

Yannik Hanfmann surpassed Dominic Thiem to advance to the quarterfinals at the European Open 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

Former US Open champion returned to ATP-level tournaments after his disappointing performance at the Challenger Bratislava Open, where he entered as the first seed but was eliminated in his debut against Gabriell Diallo, who later won the tournament. This week, Thiem (86th) defeated Luca Nardi in the first round, but it was a hard-fought battle that lasted nearly two and a half hours (3-6, 7-6, 6-2).

Up next, he faced the 5th seed Yannik Hanfmann (56th), against whom he had only one previous encounter in 2022, with a victory for the German. Hanfmann advanced from the first round with difficulty against world No. 646 Alexander Blockx, who received a wild card.

In the first set, Thiem squandered his first two break points in the second game, but Hanfmann managed to hold his serve and a few games later secured the first break of the match. The advantage was enough to stay ahead until a fiercely contested 10th game, in which Hanfmann saved two break points and wasted three set points before taking the set 6-4.

Thiem played a solid set, even outperforming his opponent, but was imprecise in crucial moments, wasting 5 break points and losing his service on the only break point his rival had.

In the second set, Thiem maintained his level and held his serve without too much trouble. He had the first break point opportunity in the sixth game, but once again, Hanfmann displayed strength in his service game. Finally, the set tilted in favor of Thiem at 7-5, as he managed to secure a break when it seemed like a tie-break was on the horizon.

The third set turned into a fierce battle with both players exchanging breaks in the first two games. Thiem missed a crucial opportunity in the seventh game and couldn't recover in the match, ultimately giving Hanfmann the definitive victory at 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

In the quarterfinals, Hanfmann will face the first seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. Their head-to-head record stands at 1-0 in favor of Hanfmann, who defeated Tsitsipas earlier this year on the grass at the Mallorca Open in late June.