Share

Tipsarevic books quarters spot

Bangkok - Top-seeded Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia was first into the Thailand Open quarter-finals after beating Japanese qualifier Hiroki Moriya 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday.

Making his debut in Thailand, Tipsarevic, who had a first-round bye, broke Moriya once in each set.

"I expected a tough battle," Tipsarevic said. "I saw him play in the US Open from the qualifying round. He also beat Robin Haase in the first round here, so I knew there would be no walk in the park. I should have won easily as I had break points in both sets. But I'm happy to win in straight sets."

Tipsarevic hopes to win his second title of the year in the Impact Arena to boost his hopes of qualifying for the eight-man ATP Finals. He's ranked No 9.

Gael Monfils's fine return from injury extended to the second round after he beat South African qualifier Kevin Anderson 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.

Monfils came back last week from nearly four months out with a right knee injury and reached the semi-finals in Metz in his French homeland. On Wednesday, he blew a 3-1 lead in the third set, Anderson went ahead 5-4, but Monfils won the last three games to move on.

"I didn't play big tennis, just good enough to win. That's the good thing," Monfils said. "I need more time to be good and confident."

Go Soeda of Japan beat local wildcard Danai Udomchoke 6-4, 7-5 for a fourth straight time, and Ivo Karlovic of Croatia defeated Marinko Matosevic of Australia 6-3 6-4.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1189 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1381 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2106 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE