World number one Jannik Sinner dug deep to reach the quarter-finals of the Halle grass-court tournament on Thursday as former champion Hubert Hurkacz unleashed 17 aces on his way to the last eight.
Sinner defeated Hungary's Fabian Marozsan 6-4, 6-7(4/7), 6-3 in the key Wimbledon warm-up event.
"It's the first time I've faced him. He's already beaten incredible players, so I knew I had to play really, really good," said Sinner.
"The first couple of matches are never easy on a new surface. This grass is a little different to Wimbledon. Fabian is an incredible player. It was a tough match and I'm pleased to be in the quarters."
Fifth seed and 2022 champion Hurkacz launched an aces barrage past Australian James Duckworth to advance to the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win.
