Fritz Too Good For Thiem In Munich; Defending Champ Rune Into SFs

Top seeded Holger Rune continued to show why he’s among the French favorites rolling past Chilean Cristian Garin in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.

Rune hit four doubles, lost just 9 points on first serve, was 4 of 6 on break chances, Rune saved a break point serving it out.

“Today was tricky, especially in the second set,” Rune said to the ATP. “There were some nerves as you might have seen, but it was good. I am very happy with the win. I have played a lot of matches, so the body is maybe not ideal. But I love this place and I love to play on this court in front of a nice crowd.”

Rune has never lost to Garin, leading 3-0 in tour-level head-to-head meetings. He advances his 10th career semifinal and he’s now 7-0 career in Munich.

Second seeded Taylor Fritz toppled former French finalist Dominic Thiem 6-3, 6-4. Thiem had finished off Marc-Andrea Huesler earlier in the day in three sets.

Fritz was broken once but broke serve three times in the match. Thiem led 2-0 in the second.

After a tough 12 months, Thiem is starting to find some form with two quarters in three events this month.

Fritz moves into his 22nd career semifinal.

In other quarterfinal play, No. 4 Botic Van De Zandschulp got by Marcos Giron 7-6(7-5), 6-3 and Christopher O’Connell edged 20-year-old Flavio Cobolli 7-6(7-5), 4-6, 6-3.

On Saturday, the semifinals will Rune against O’Connell in a first-time tour-level clash. Fritz will take on Van De Zandschulp. Van De Zandschulp was the victor in their sole meeting in the 2022 Davis Cup Finals.

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