"I think I had to do something extra for the victory today" - Tsitsipas expresses relief following quarterfinal win in Hamburg

World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas booked his spot in the semifinals of the Hamburg European Open following a tough victory over Dusan Lajovic.

The second seed was down 3-5 in the first set tiebreak but won the next four points to win the tiebreak and escape with a 7-6(5) 6-2 victory.

"It was a perfect day, sunny, good people, good atmosphere and good clay,” said Tsitsipas after the match.

This would be his second straight victory over Lajovic, following a three-set win in Beijing last year. Tsitsipas now leads the Serbian 2-1 in career meetings on the ATP Tour.

"Dusan is a difficult opponent to play on clay, with a lot of spin and variation in his shots," added the Greek star. "I think I had to do something extra for the victory today. I will keep working hard.”

Tsitsipas next faces Christian Garin on Saturday, as both men will battle to determine who reaches the final. Garin overcame Alexander Bublik 3-6 6-4 6-4, and will reach his sixth Tour-level championship match with a victory over Tsitsipas.