KITZBÜHEL, August 2, 2018

The youngsters headlined Thursday’s action at the Generali Open during the first quarterfinals in Kitzbühel without an Austrian singles player since 2012.

Nicolás Jarry won the encounter between two in-form players beating reigning Gstaad champion Matteo Berrettini 7-5, 6-3. The 22-year-old from Chile, who also advanced to the semi-finals in Hamburg last week, saved all four break points he faced, converting all of his three own chances to prevail in one hour and 24 minutes.

“I am very happy that I am playing well and focused on the court,” Jarry was pleased with his performance. “I handle the pressure very well in the key moments.”

The young gun from Santiago is currently ranked on a career high World No. 53 and is projected to crack the top 50 after this week. “My first goal (at the beginning of the season) was trying to make as many points as last year. I knew it was going to be tougher at ATP-level but I made it into the semis in Rio and the final in Sao Paulo. So I am very happy to have achieved my goals. That helps me to be more motivated and to train harder.”

Next up for Jarry in Tyrol will be Denis Istomin. The qualifier from Uzbekistan edged out No. 6 seed Maximilian Marterer of Germany 6-3, 6-3.

“I like a bit of altitude. Conditions here are similiar to Santiago, where I live. I also try to learn to play in slower conditions at sea level,” explained Jarry, who also gets support from his famous compatriots Marcelo Rios, Fernando Gonzalez and Nicolás Massu. At the German Open the young gun beat Dominic Thiem, celebrating his first win over a top 10 player.

“Dominic is maybe the second best clay-court player right now after the king,” Jarry told with a smile. “I am happy for knowing that I can do those type of things. My mental set is different now. I know I can beat anyone.

“I started to play tennis pretty early. My grandfather was ranked No. 12 or No. 14 in the world. He took me to the tennis courts every weekend and also took me to the tournaments when I was young. He gave me like a seed that grew inside of me. Now I am here and happy that I chose this sport. My mother and my father are also kind of sports guys. Sports is in my blood.”

Munar into maiden ATP semi-final

On Court Kuchenmeister, Jaume Munar fought past Taro Daniel of Japan 7-6(3), 6-3. The #NextGenATP Spaniard sent down four aces, winning 78 per cent of his first service points to seal victory in exactly two hours of play.

“It was a pretty tough match. I was 0-4 down in the first set and had to come back but then I started to I play more consistent, which was key today,” said Munar, who will appear in his first semi-final on the ATP World Tour.

“Without any doubt, I am very pleased with this outcome. All of the matches I am able to play at that level are steps into the right direction. In the end I want to play finals and go for the titles.”

Munar will next face Martin Klizan. The Slovakian qualifier fought past No. 8 seed Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-2. The rain interrupted last singles match of the day lasted two hours and 22 minutes.

Noteworthy

• Dominic Thiem, who crashed out in his opening match in singles against Martin Klizan, withdrew from doubles competition. The World No. 8 was scheduled to team up with fellow Austrian Dennis Novak taking on Jürgen Melzer and Philipp Petzschner.

Dominic Thiem withdraws from his doubles match with Dennis Novak this afternoon in Kitzbühel against Philipp Petzschner & Jürgen Melzer due to shoulder problems. (📸: Mia Knoll) pic.twitter.com/JCk73bU4dj

— TennisTourTalk (@TennisTourTalk) 2. August 2018

• Defending champion and Kitzbühel resident Philipp Kohlschreiber had celebrated his wedding with long-time girl-friend Lena just hours before he was knocked out of his home tournament losing to Denis Istomin on Wednesday.

  The 34-year-old German was suffering from the flu but was still happy after his match: “Actually, today would have been my match-free day. And at some point you have to plan that. It’s such a nice day: August, 1st. At least I can easily remember that.”

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban & Florian Heer):