Defending Champion Dzumhur, Mannarino Reach Antalya Quarter-finals

Defending champion Damir Dzumhur earned a confidence boosting 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 win over Turkish wild card Altug Celikbilek on Tuesday as the fifth seed started his Turkish Airlines Antalya Open campaign. Having spent time on the sidelines this year with lower back, abdominal and shoulder injuries, it was just a seventh win for Dzumhur in 17 matches this year.

Dzumhur now plays third-seeded Australian Jordan Thompson, who knocked out American Bradley Klahn 7-6(7), 6-3 in one hour and 45 minutes for a place in the quarter-finals.

France’s Adrian Mannarino, runner-up at the ATP 250 tournament for the past two years, edged past Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain 3-6, 6-1, 7-5 in two hours to set up a last-eight clash against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, who completed a 6-7(3), 6-0, 7-5 comeback win over Indian Prajnesh Gunneswaran in just over two hours, winning 27 of 30 points in the second set.

“I think I am serving pretty well, but it’s never easy,” said Mannarino. “You can win or lose against anybody.”

Elsewhere, German qualifier Kevin Krawietz recorded his first ATP Tour singles match win over Turkish wild card Cem IIkel 6-4, 6-4 in 59 minutes. Afterwards, Krawietz told ATPTour.com, “It was a bit surprising as my focus is mostly on doubles now. Serve and volley works well on grass and I feel good at the net. Today, I played great volleys, didn’t commit any errors at the net.”

Krawietz, who captured the Roland Garros doubles title earlier this month with Andreas Mies, will now face Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta. Looking to the second-round match, Krawietz said, “I have already played a few matches. That could help me as it will be the first match here for him.”