MAUTHAUSEN/STARNBERG, May 8, 2024
Francisco Comesana has booked his spot in the quarterfinals of the Danube Upper Austria Open powered by SKE. The 23-year-old top seed of the €120,950 ATP Challenger Tour clay-court event in Mauthausen, Austria eased past fellow Argentine Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-1, 6-2 on Wednesday.
Comesana sent down four aces and won 85 per cent of his first-service points to advance in one hour and 24 minutes. The World No. 91 is chasing his second Challenger title of the season following his triumph in Oeiras, Portugal last month.
“That went well. I showed a good performance and saved energy. I feel very comfortable here, and that translates quickly onto the court. I’m happy for things to continue like this,” said Comesana.
Misolic masters Blanchet
The gaucho will next take on home favourite Filip Misolic, who overcame a one-set deficit to outlast seventh-seeded Frenchman Ugo Blanchet 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. The 22-year-old from Graz converted five of his 14 break-point chances to prevail after two hours and 13 minutes.
Comeback complete 👏
Filip Misolic defeats Blanchet, setting up a quarterfinal showdown against top seed Comensaña in Mauthausen!#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/saqCxNPHnA
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 8, 2024
“Ugo played really well,” said Misolic. “I struggled in the first set and a half, making life difficult for myself with many double faults. I tried to stay in the match and find solutions, which I managed to do well. I’m very happy that I was able to turn the match around and come out as the winner. Now it’s time to calm down and enjoy the victory. I will focus on my next match on Friday later in the evening.”
Also in the top half of the draw, German qualifier Max Hans Rehberg continued his good run of form this week. The 20-year-old Munich native fought past No. 4 seed Otto Virtanen of Finland 6-7(4), 7-6(5), 7-5 in two hours and 42 minutes to set a quarterfinal clash with Lucas Pouille of France. The former World No. 10 defeated Briton Jan Choinski 7-6(3), 6-3 in one hour and 50 minutes.
