Tsitsipas, Fils, Shelton, Rublev reach last eight in Basel

Stefanos Tsitsipas advances to his third quarter-final at the Swiss Indoors Basel after prevailing 7-6(3), 7-5 against qualifier Botic van de Zandschulp on Thursday.

“I had to stay calm in those tight moments, and it worked out pretty well,” said Tsitsipas, who improved to 7-2 in Basel. “There were a lot of tense moments in my last two matches, so I am trying to build up on that confidence, getting to play those pressure points the best I can.

“It became critical in a lot of moments. Despite winning the first set, he wasn’t really backing down, he wasn’t giving me the space I was looking for. I would say the second set was even more challenging and tough to play than the first one. [It was] an incredible game by myself at 5-5 [in the second set], I managed those points with some great athleticism and defended well.”

Tsitsipas will play Arthur Fils in an attempt to advance to the round of four. The 20-year-old Fils and Frenchman defeated Pedro Martinez 7-5, 6-3, and is currently ranked first in the ATP Live Race To Jeddah.

Sixth seed Ben Shelton ended Stan Wawrinka’s incredible home run in the top half of the draw. The American advanced to his 13th tour-level quarterfinal with a commanding 7-6(2), 7-5 victory.

On his way to securing a quarterfinal matchup with top seed Rublev, who easily defeated Alejandro Tabilo on Wednesday night, Shelton hit 20 forehand winners.