Tiafoe Prevails in Cincinnati, Rune, Hurkacz reach last eight

Frances Tiafoe survived a late-night scare from Jiri Lehecka at the Cincinnati Open after converting his sixth match point on Friday.

The 26-year-old American and home favourite prevailed over the Czech Republic player 6-4, 6-7(10), 7-6(5) on centre court in two hours, 52 minutes.to reach the last eight.

The three-time tour-level titlist who overcame the Czech’s 24 aces and will next meet another big server, Hubert Hurkacz, in the last eight.

Other action saw Norwegian Holger Rune denying Gael Monfils’ double duty attempt after the Frenchman had earlier stunned second seed Carlos Alcaraz during the day.

Rune defeated Monfils 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 and advance to the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals, becoming the first Danish man to reach the last eight in the tournament’s Open Era history.

“It took some patience for sure,” said Rune. “I wasn’t totally on top of the first set. He was serving big, had to get used to the conditions a little bit. He came from an incredible win earlier, so obviously he was very confident. I had to find my rhythm.”

Rune, who is ranked No.16 at the ATP Rankings will next meet Jack Draper who advanced advanced to his second ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final and first in two years (2022 Montreal) with a hard-fought 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Fifth seed Hubert Hurkacz also advanced in three sets. The Pole marched past the in-form Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 after converting three of his 10 break chances. Hurkacz will face Frances Tiafoe ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final.