Erste Bank Open: De Minaur knocks Misolic out

Filip Misolic was denied his first entry into the quarterfinals of the Tennis Erste Bank Open. The 24-year-old Styrian lost on Wednesday in his round of 16 debut at the ATP500 hard court event in the Vienna Stadthalle, which is endowed with more than 2.7 million euros, against the third-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur with 4:6, 4:6. Despite the defeat against the world number seven, there are positives, as Misolic will break into the top 90 for the first time.

Misolic Sees "Quality Difference"

"That is very important, now I believe I am qualified for the Australian Open, that was a big goal," said Misolic. Despite being eliminated, he could take "only beautiful moments" from the match. The quickly conceded break made it "not easy," overall "small things" made the difference. "I had my chances, but unfortunately didn't take them. That is definitely also a quality difference," Misolic admitted.

He could be satisfied with his serving performance. "The good thing is that I served well, apart from the breaks he didn't have any break points. I can take that with me, it was a good performance from me," summarized the ÖTV top player. The 26-year-old De Minaur thus ended all ÖTV singles hopes at the home tournament. In the opening round, the Australian Open and US Open quarterfinalist defeated the second Austrian wildcard player Jurij Rodionov with 6:4, 6:1. Misolic had overcome the opening hurdle for the first time in his third Vienna start, which was also his first first-round victory on the ATP Tour since the first Kitzbühel round on July 22.

De Minaur Continues at Erste Bank Open

The match developed as expected into a similar duel as on Tuesday, where Misolic had prevailed with 7:5, 7:6(6) against the Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli, with longer rallies. The decisive moment in the first set was the very first game. The Styrian managed to fend off three break points, but after the fourth and more than ten minutes, he lost his serve. De Minaur did not let this advantage slip, and it didn't help that Misolic subsequently exuded confidence on his own serve, conceding only two more points.

The second set also saw an early decision. This time, the ten-time ATP tournament winner, who won the title in Washington in 2025, achieved the break to 2:1 with his second chance. Misolic carelessly hit a forehand out. Unlike before, the current world number 95 had the opportunity to come back. However, at 2:3, nerves seemed to get the better of him with three break points. First, he couldn't capitalize after a net cord, then he made two unforced forehand errors. After a little less than an hour and a half, De Minaur served out in the hall, which was sold out with 9,800 spectators.

(APA/Red)

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