Dealing with two straight match factors within the first spherical of the Astana Open on Thursday, Jurij Rodionov wished to hit aces in opposition to Gregoire Barrere.
The left-handed qualifier not solely pulled it off at 4-5 within the third set, however did so going in opposition to his most well-liked serving patterns.
“At that time I felt he was stronger than me from the baseline, so I wished 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 huge on the deuce aspect and down the tee on the ad-side, that are my least favorite serves.
“Normally I take advantage of the lefty benefit, however I went in opposition to that and shocked 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 in opposition to Alex de Minaur en path to the semi-finals.
“Possibly it’s a sample,” Rodionov stated.
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 ultimate of yet one more Challenger in Astana. He likes the individuals 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 believe you may say it’s my fortunate allure.”
Rodionov knew that victory over Baez would carry him past the career-best No. 100 achieved in late August within the Pepperstone ATP Stay 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 principle draw. Defeating 2020 Astana finalist and fellow lefty Adrian Mannarino on Sunday would increase Rodionov’s prospects even additional. The Austrian notched his first High 50 win in opposition to the Frenchman at a Challenger in Rennes in 2019.
“Truthfully, I don’t actually like enjoying in opposition to 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 greatest thus far, 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 dangle in there.”
“By no means surrender, attempt to enhance day-to-day and at all times attempt to be constructive as a result of regardless of how unhealthy issues look, there may be at all times going to be a manner out,” he stated. “Simply attempt to do the very best you may.”
Thiem Advances To Astana QFs In Remaining-Set Tie-Break
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 in opposition to Ofner, having crushed him most just lately in three units on clay at this 12 months’s Millennium Estoril Open.
“I’m trying ahead to it, as a result of I believe he’s enjoying higher proper now,” Ofner stated. “I’m additionally in fine condition.”
High-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.
