Tallon Griekspoor won his second consecutive match in a third-set tiebreaker when he knocked off Hubert Hurkacz 6-7(5), 7-6(5), 7-6(4) in round two of the ABN AMRO Open on Thursday afternoon. A semifinalist in front of the home crowd last year, Griekspoor earned a return trip to the quarters after two hours and 34 minutes.
The 30th-ranked Dutchman had previously defeated Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 7-6(7), 7-6(3). In that match Griekspoor came back from 3-0 down in the third set and saved double-match point while serving at 5-6, 15-40.
Since the start of last season, the 27-year-old is 13-1 in the Netherlands. In addition to reaching the Rotterdam semis he captured the title 2023 ‘s-Hertogenbosch title to go along with a trio of Davis Cup victories.
“This means everything to me,” Griekspoor assured. “This is the whole reason why I play tennis–to be able to play these kinds of matches against such a great opponent. To be able to win this one is really special, especially in Rotterdam…. I like the pressure moments. I told myself, ‘just keep going after it.’ I guess that paid off in the end.
“[Last year’s experience] definitely helps. That probably got me through this match, as well. I know what I’m capable of. I back myself any time, especially with the home crowd. I’m really looking forward to being able to come back tomorrow.”
Griekspoor awaits either Emil Ruusuvori or Jan-Lennard Struff in the last eight on Friday. Other matchups include Andrey Rublev vs. Alex de Minaur and Grigor Dimitrov vs. Alexander Shevchenko.
nice one, Tallon