Tiafoe upsets 2017 finalist Muller and books spot in QF's

Frances Tiafoe scored a solid straight sets win over fourth seed Gilles Muller to make the quarterfinals at Millennium Estoril Open 2018.

The 20-year-old American, who won his maiden ATP Tour title in Delray Beach back in February, prevailed 6-4, 7-5 in one hour and 32 minutes in the first night-session match of this year’s edition of the Portuguese ATP250.

Veteran Luxembourgian Muller, who was defending runner-up points, shot 13 aces but was unable to overcome his younger opponent, who was especially effective on his return games. The #ATPNextGen American sensation broke serve a total of four times and showed great consistency throughout the match to secure his 13th win of the season and make the quarterfinals in an ATP event for the third time this year (New York, Delray).

“I’m happy to still be in the tournament. I played well today and it’s nice to have a second life. I feel pretty loose now and right now it's about going out there and enjoying it. Today pretty much everything went my way. Gilles had some chances in the second set but I was able to recover pretty well,” said Tiafoe in his post-match press conference. “Clay is my favourite surface. Real clay not what we have in Houston. The surface here is a lot slower, I slide better and can get more creative. I’m having a lot of fun here.”

Next up for the #ATPNextGen is Italian Qualifier Simone Bolelli who came back from a set and a break down to overcome Argentinian Federico Delbonis in three sets (3-6 7-5 6-2) in the last match of the day on Estádio Millennium.