Thiem, Kontaveit reach Aussie Open quarters for the 1st time

Two-time French Open finalist Dominic Thiem is into quarterfinals at Australian Open, which is an all-new experience for him. He could face a familiar foe next, though. So he planned to be kicking back on couch watching on TV later Monday when top-ranked Rafael Nal and . 23 Nick Kyrgios met in a night match.

fifth-seeded Thiem beat . 10 Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena to extend his winning streak to six against mercurial Frenchman.“I played my best match so far. Very, very good feeling," Thiem said. “I’m so happy because I’m for first time in quarterfinals here."

After losing final at Roland Garros to Nal last year, Thiem didn't win ar match at a Grand Slam in 2019. He lost first-rounders at Wimbledon and U.S. Open but has put toger a run so far in Melbourne Park, where he'd previously reached fourth round twice.

Having a day match, when ball is moving quicker in warm conditions than in relative cool at night, worked well for Thiem. So did viewing schedule.“I couldn’t be happier than to be into quarterfinals, and to watch relaxed from home," 26-year-old Austrian said of Nal-Kyrgios clash. “Very excited for that match. It’ll be an entertaining contest."

re was guaranteed to be a first-time quarterfinalist on women's side, and Anett Kontaveit took hors when she rallied from a set and a break down to beat 18-year-old Iga Swiatek 6-7 (4), 7-5, 7-5, despite being broken twice in games when she was serving for match.

She'll next play Wimbledon champion Simona Halep, who reached final in Australia two years ago before winning 2018 French Open title. Kontaveit was 0-3 in her previous trips to fourth round at a major, but was coming off a 6-0, 6-1 win over . 6 Belinda Bencic.

“It was such a battle today. So happy I toughed it out," 28th-seeded Kontaveit said. “I was just trying to stay as tough as I could — fight for every point. Against Halep, she said, she'd need to step up ar level.“I have thing to lose, so I’m just going to go out re and enjoy it."

Halep beat Elise Mertens 6-4, 6-4 in a tough fourth-rounder.

third game lasted 16 points, with Halep finally converting her fourth break-point chance. Mertens broke back in fifth game and fended off ar two break points in ar long hold before Halep went on a rolling, winning six straight games to take control of match. Halep's two previous wins over Mertens were on clay, although Belgian won ir only or match on a hard court.“I h in my he she came back in that match,” Halep said. "But mentally I think I did a great job today.“I feel like I played a better match than all matches since I'm here.”

(Im Credit:AP)