HAMBURG, October 18, 2023

The top two seeds of the Hamburg Ladies & Gents Cup have both booked their spots in the quarterfinals of the ATP Challenger Tour event. Dennis Novak defeated Antoine Bellier of Switzerland 6-3, 7-5 on Wednesday. The No. 1 seed struck eight aces and won 80 per cent of his first-service points to advance in one hour and 19 minutes.

“It was a difficult match today, as he served pretty well. But I was well prepared and played two very good return games, where I could break him. This way key today,” said Novak and added that he will spend his day off with friends in the city to discover some of the new spots in Hamburg tomorrow.

Up next for the World No. 176 will be Spanish qualifier Javier Barranco Cosano, who continued his fine run of form this week in Northern Germany with a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 victory in two hours and 24 minutes over French teenager Gabriel Debru.

The bottom half of the draw is led by Adam Walton. The 24-year-old Australian, who is competing in his first tournament on European soil, overcame a one-set deficit to outlast Jelle Sels from the Netherlands, winning 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.

In the pair’s first meeting, Walton withstood 10 aces and broke his rival’s service three time to prevail after one hour and 45 minutes. The World No. 177, who lifted his maiden Challenger trophy in Cary, N.C., in the United States this season, will next take on Illya Marchenko. The 36-year-old Ukrainian battled past Altug Celikbilek of Turkey 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(3) in two hours and 13 minutes.

“It was a pretty hectic match and I am not happy about the level of play. But winning in three sets is important for the confidence and the next match,” Marchenko said.

Moeller masters Gombos

Earlier in the day, Hamburg native Marvin Moeller delighted his home crowd by winning his first-round match 6-2, 7-5 in one hour and 31 minutes against Slovakian veteran Norbert Gombos.

“Today, it was crucial to neutralize his serve. It allowed me the opportunity to get into the rallies, where I often found myself as the better player,” the 24-year-old wild card entry said.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to be able to play at home, especially here at the Hamburg Tennis Federation, where I started training at the age of 11 or 12. The match took place today, Wednesday, at 10 am, and yet there were quite a few people in the audience. Among them were my family, some friends, and my coaching team. It really enjoyed it on the court today.”

Moeller will play Australian qualifier Akira Santillan in the second round.