The tennis pros competing in the Terra Wortmann Open kept concentrated on their game inside the enclosed Owl Arena despite the violent thunderstorm outside. With his victory, Andrey Rublev qualified for the quarterfinals for a third time. Yannick Hanfmann was upset by the 25-year-old 7-6 (6), 6-3. In 2017 and 2021, Rublev advanced to the semifinals and even the championship match before losing to Ugo Humbert.
In the opening game, Rublev, currently ranked number 7 in the world and seeded third at the tournament, broke Hanfmann's serve without dropping a point. This early success boosted his confidence as he took a 4-2 lead. However, Hanfmann, who had defeated local favorite Louis Wessels in the previous round, fought back and leveled the set.
Hanfmann managed to break Rublev's serve, making it 4-4, and went on to lead 5-4 and 6-5. Despite Hanfmann's efforts, Rublev forced a tie-break that was filled with ups and downs. Rublev initially led 3-1, but then found himself trailing 3-5. However, he rallied and took the tie-break 8-6, winning the first set. Hanfmann's resilient performance went unrewarded.
In the second set, Hanfmann struggled early on and conceded two breaks, quickly falling behind 0-4. Nevertheless, he didn't lose his fighting spirit. The current world number 53 managed to break Rublev's serve and closed the gap to 2-4.
However, Rublev maintained control and secured a 6-3 victory with his second set point. Rublev's quarterfinal berth is assured, with the match scheduled for Friday under better weather conditions, free from lightning and thunder.
Meanwhile, Hanfmann can be proud of his performance in Halle and his overall season so far. In the upcoming world rankings, the 31-year-old will make his debut in the top 50.
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