Dealing with two straight match factors within the first spherical of the Astana Open on Thursday, Jurij Rodionov needed to hit aces towards Gregoire Barrere.
The left-handed qualifier not solely pulled it off at 4-5 within the third set, however did so going towards his most well-liked serving patterns.
“At that time I felt he was stronger than me from the baseline, so I needed to keep away from the rallies as a lot as potential, and I used to be simply going for it,” stated the Austrian. “I went out vast on the deuce facet and down the tee on the ad-side, that are my least favorite serves.
“Normally I exploit the lefty benefit, however I went towards that and stunned him.”
Rodionov edged a third-set tie-break, then upset second seed Sebastian Baez in straight units on Friday for a spot in his second profession ATP Tour quarter-final.
Within the first one, on grass in Stuttgart in 2021, he additionally saved a match level towards Alex de Minaur en path to the semi-finals.
“Possibly it’s a sample,” Rodionov stated.
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Judging by his previous performances, maybe it shouldn’t come as a shock that the 24-year-old is flourishing in Kazakhstan. His maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour got here as a qualifier in Almaty in 2018 and a month later, Rodionov discovered himself within the semi-finals of a Challenger in Astana.
In 2021, Rodionov landed within the remaining of one more Challenger in Astana. He likes the folks and environment in Kazakhstan, whereas talking the language places him comfy.
“Possibly I received a bit fortunate successful my first Challenger in Almaty,” he stated. “And since then, I feel you may say it’s my fortunate allure.”
Rodionov knew that victory over Baez would elevate him past the career-best No. 100 achieved in late August within the Pepperstone ATP Dwell Rankings and was happy it didn’t hinder his efficiency.
The previous junior World No. 7’s rise means he’s getting ever nearer to a direct berth into January’s Australian Open, the place he has by no means competed in the primary draw. Defeating 2020 Astana finalist and fellow lefty Adrian Mannarino on Sunday would enhance Rodionov’s prospects even additional. The Austrian notched his first Prime 50 win towards the Frenchman at a Challenger in Rennes in 2019.
“Actually, I don’t actually like taking part in towards lefties as a result of it’s very uncomfortable,” stated Rodionov, regardless of successful 9 of his final 10 matches versus left-handers.
General he calls this season his finest up to now, regardless of some “ups and downs”. Even when these ‘downs’ happen — Rodionov had misplaced six of seven matches coming into Astana — his mantra is to “simply grasp in there.”
“By no means hand over, attempt to enhance day-to-day and all the time attempt to be constructive as a result of regardless of how dangerous issues look, there may be all the time going to be a approach out,” he stated. “Simply attempt to do the perfect you may.”
An Austrian semi-finalist is assured in Astana, the place Dominic Thiem performs Sebastian Ofner within the different quarter-final within the backside half of the draw. It marks the primary time that three Austrians have reached the final eight of the identical ATP Tour occasion.
Former World No. 3 Thiem holds a 3-0 document towards Ofner, having overwhelmed him most not too long ago in three units on clay at this 12 months’s Millennium Estoril Open.
“I’m wanting ahead to it, as a result of I feel he’s taking part in higher proper now,” Ofner stated. “I’m additionally in good condition.”
Prime-seed Tallon Griekspoor challenges fifth-seed Sebastian Korda, with fourth-seed Jiri Lehecka encountering 20-year-old wild card Hamad Medjedovic at Kazakhstan’s Nationwide Tennis Middle. Each are first-time conferences.
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