"I can't wait" - Tsitsipas on quarterfinal showdown with Auger-Aliassime

Stefanos Tsitsipas kept his European clay-court winning streak alive on Thursday, as he outplayed Alex De Minaur for a spot in the Barcelona Open quarterfinals.

The Greek star is yet to lose a match on red clay in 2021, having just captured his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Monte-Carlo Open on Sunday. Facing a determined De Minaur, the second seed kept his momentum going with a 7-5 6-3 victory.

"I was playing close to the lines so that was definitely difficult," Tsitsipas said. "He’s a good competitor; he always puts out his best game. I think running and getting an extra ball back is actually his biggest strength so that’s what makes him very difficult to play against."

The World No.5 will face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime in the quarterfinals, as the tenth seed defeated compatriot Denis Shapovalov 6-2 6-3 earlier in the day. Tsitsipas holds a 3-2 career lead over Auger-Aliassime, with the Greek winning their most recent encounter in Acapulco last month.

"I’ve never played him on clay," Tsitsipas said of Auger-Aliassime. "He’s someone that has done very well in recent years and he's playing at the top of his form right now. I’m looking forward to the next battle, to the next difficulty that’s set, and can’t wait to compete against Felix."