Montreal (Canada) (AFP) – Daniel Merida smothered Tallon Griekspoor 6-3, 6-1 on Sunday as the Spaniard continued his rapid adjustment to hardcourt tennis at the ATP Montreal Masters. The world number 63 joins compatriot Rafael Jodar in the Canada quarter-finals and will break through to a career-best spot inside the top 50 as a result of his fourth-round victory.
Prior to making his Montreal debut, clay-courter Merida had never won a tour-level match on hardcourt. He will try to extend his streak of cement success to five in a row when he plays a first Masters quarter-final against US 12th seed Learner Tien, who wore down Argentine Thiago Tirante 6-4, 6-4. Tien, the 12th seed, saved the first eight break points he faced in the second set in a battle of big hitters and secured victory in his fifth match point, with his opponent handing over the final game with four unforced errors.
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“Today was humid, conditions are always tough,” Tien said. “I’m happy with how the match worked out. This was one of those days where I was making good contact with the ball. I was seeing the ball well and returning well.”
Against Griekspoor, Merida was deadly with his backhand, leaving the Dutchman flat-footed in the 69-minute triumph. Spain’s title-winner last month on clay in Umag has now claimed 16 victories this breakthrough season.
“It’s amazing playing here and giving my 100% in each match,” the 21-year-old winner said. “To make a hardcourt quarter-final is great. I try to play solid with my backhand, hit it as much as possible and stay calm.”
In the evening session, holder Ben Shelton was bidding for the last eight with a match against Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca.
© 2024 AFP
