MAUTHAUSEN/STARNBERG, May 10, 2024
Dimitar Kuzmanov has ended the run of Junior World No. 1 Joel Schwaerzler in the quarterfinals of the Danube Upper Austria Open powered by SKE. In front of 600 spectators on a packed Center Court on Friday in Mauthausen, the 30-year-old from Bulgaria defeated the 18-year-old Austrian wild card entry 6-2, 6-3.
Kuzmanov, who captured his so far only ATP Challenger Tour career title at the Emilio Sanchez Academy in El Prat de Llobregat, Spain three years ago, struck three aces and won 83 per cent of his first-service points to succeed in one hour and 14 minutes.
“It was an intense match. Although the result looks very clear, it wasn’t that simple. I feel very comfortable at the moment and can execute my game plan well. I really like this tournament; the setting is just perfect here,” said Kuzmanov.
The World No. 260 will next take on Jozef Kovalik of Slovakia, a 7-6(6), 6-3 winner over Austrian qualifier Gerald Melzer.
“I’ve known my next opponent for many years. This year, we’ve already played a four-hour match. I’m looking forward to it,” said Kuzmanov.
Comesana leads semis line-up
In the top half of the draw, No. 1 seed Francisco Comesana edged past Filip Misolic of Austria 7-5, 6-4. The 91st-ranked Argentine capitalized on three of his 10 break-point opportunities to prevail after one hour and 48 minutes. Comeasana will next play French veteran Lucas Pouille, who defeated German qualifier Max Hans Rehberg 6-2, 6-3. The encounter lasted 69 minutes.
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Top seed @fran_comesana defeats Misolic 7-5 6-4 to seal his place in the semifinals in Mauthausen!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/RiOuYkjLmR
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 10, 2024
