CHARLOTTESVILLE, November 2, 2018

In a battle of two-US-Americans, former UVA star Thai-Son Kwiatkowski knocked out Charlottesville Men’s Pro Challenger defending champion Tim Smyczek, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to move into Friday’s quarterfinals against second-seeded compatriot Michael Mmoh. 

The 23-year-old wild card entry struck 10 aces, winning 75 per cent of his first service points to prevail after two hours and one minute.

“It was a very difficult match,” Kwiatkowski said afterwards. “I couldn’t shut the door in the second set but I had to regroup between the second and the third. I took a deep breath, trying to dig deep again and I am very proud the way I came back in the final set. 

Mmoh defeated Evgeny Karlovskiy of Russia 6-2, 7-5. The World No. 102 saved eight of the nine break points he faced, converting four of his own 10 chances to advance in one hour and 30 minutes.

“I haven’t played Mmoh before,” Kwiatkowski commented on his next opponent. “He is a good friend of mine and is having a hell of a year. It’s going to be really tough.”

Ivo Karlovic also advances to the quarterfinals. The No. 3 seed from Croatia beat US-American Marcos Giron 7-6(4), 6-3, firing 18 aces in 68 minutes. Nex up for Karlovic will be US-American youngster Tommy Paul, who eased past Kamil Majrchrzak of Poland 6-2, 6-1 in just 54 minutes.