KITZBÜHEL/STARNBERG, July 23, 2025
The dream is over for Filip Misolic. The last remaining Austrian in the singles draw at the Generali Open in Kitzbühel was knocked out in the round of 16 by Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, who secured a 6-3, 7-6(4) win. Misolic showed great determination in the second set, breaking back at the last moment to force a tiebreak. But the experienced Van de Zandschulp raced ahead early and never looked back, extinguishing Austrian hopes for a homegrown singles champion — at least for another year. The last Austrian to win in Kitzbühel remains Dominic Thiem in 2019.
Austrian success in doubles
There was better news for the home crowd in the doubles draw. Lucas Miedler and his Portuguese partner Francisco Cabral battled their way to a dramatic 6-7(7), 7-6(5), 10-8 victory over Germany’s Constantin Frantzen and Dutch veteran Robin Haase. Later in the evening, Neil Oberleitner and 18-year-old Joel Schwaerzler delivered a commanding performance on Court Küchenmeister, defeating India’s Sriram Balaji and Rithvik Bollipalli 6-4, 6-2 to book a spot in the semifinals. The Austrian duo will now face Hendrik Jebens and Albano Olivetti for a place in the final.
German charge led by Hanfmann and Struff
German fans vacationing in the Tyrolean Alps had plenty to cheer about. Yannick Hanfmann, a finalist in Kitzbühel five years ago, pulled off a major upset by ousting defending champion Sebastian Baez of Argentina 5-7, 6-3, 7-5. Hanfmann showed nerves of steel after Baez fended off two match points late in the final set, but the German eventually closed it out to reach the quarterfinals. He will next face Arthur Rinderknech, the Frenchman who recently stunned Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon and came through a gritty three-set battle against Norbert Gombos.
Joining Hanfmann in the last eight is fellow German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff. The powerful right-hander continued his strong run with a 6-4, 7-6(7) win over Argentina’s Francisco Comesana, the No. 7 seed. Struff now faces French youngster Arthur Cazaux, a recent semifinalist in Gstaad.
Bublik makes confident start
Top seed Alexander Bublik made a commanding start to his Kitzbühel campaign, defeating Argentina’s Thiago Agustin Tirante 6-3, 6-4. Just days after lifting the trophy in Gstaad, the Kazakh No. 1 looked sharp and focused as he booked a quarterfinal showdown with Alexander Shevchenko. The two are not only compatriots on Kazakhstan’s Davis Cup team but also occasional doubles partners, including a stint at this year’s Australian Open.
14-2 since Roland Garros
Bublik defeats Tirante 6-3 6-4 to reach the Kitzbuhel quarter-finals pic.twitter.com/UyEqMnDHUb
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) July 23, 2025
“I’ve had a really warm welcome here, and I want to thank the fans,” said Bublik, who has hit strong form in recent months. “Every match is different. Everyone here can play, so you have to take it one match at a time.” Reflecting on his previous visit to Kitzbühel in 2020, Bublik added with a smile: “Back then I got destroyed in 40 minutes. This time, I definitely want to stick around longer.”
