Dominic Thiem has reached the round of 16 at the ATP 250 tournament in Metz. The 29-year-old prevailed on Wednesday in his opening match against veteran and local hero Richard Gasquet after 1:46 hours 6:3 7:6 (7/3). For the Lower Austrian it was the second success in the fourth duel with the 39-year-old Frenchman.
In the first set, Thiem gave up the service to make it 1: 3, but prevailed with five games in a row. In round two, Thiem came back after a 2: 4 and missed a match point at 5: 4 and Gasquet’s serve. In the tie-break, the former world number three clearly prevailed. On Thursday Thiem will continue against Hubert Hurkacz, the number two seeded Pole is the defending champion.
“It was a very difficult challenge as always against Richard. He’s played very well lately and came here in good form. This is a sense of accomplishment for me. There are always long rallies against Richard – backhand against backhand. It was good, it was important for my rhythm. I’m really satisfied,” said Thiem.
The Austrian feels ready for the game against Hurkacz, who is tenth in the world rankings and 172 places ahead of Thiem. “The conditions here are a bit different than in Rennes. Physically I’m in top shape. Every match in the tournament is against top opponents. Hubert Hurkacz is the defending champion. There is no greater challenge here,” said Thiem, who was last in the final at the Challenger in Rennes.
ATP 250 tournament in Metz
(France, 597,000 euros, hard court/indoor)
