Griekspoor first time quarterfinalist in Rosmalen after smooth win over Popyrin

Tallon Griekspoor has convincingly reached the quarterfinals of the Libéma Open in Rosmalen. The world number 38 defeated world number 90 Alexei Popyrin 6-3, 6-2 on Thursday morning.

Griekspoor had a flashy start. His serve turned fine and with a couple of forehand winners he was quickly up 3-0 against the 23-year-old Australian. On his second set point he drew the set to himself moments later.

With a break on love, Griekspoor also started the second set energetically. Where Popyrin continued to struggle with his first serve, the Haarlemmer kept pounding without allowing a single break point. After just over 59 minutes of play the spoils were in.

“I’m playing very well and didn’t give anything away on my own serve,” Griekspoor said afterwards. “I’m very happy with my performance, within an hour. Even though we played as early as 11:00 in the morning, it was well packed. I enjoyed the atmosphere again. I love playing at home and am looking forward to Friday.”

On Friday, Griekspoor will take on the winner of the duel between Serbian Laslo Djere and Alex de Minaur of Australia in the last eight. De Minaur is seeded fourth.

The 26-year-old Griekspoor is entering the tournament in Rosmalen for the third time. In 2017 he lost to Canadian Vasek Pospisil on his debut and last year Félix Auger-Aliassime beat him in the second round.