Engel becomes youngest ATP grass-court quarter-finalist since Becker

Seventeen-year-old Justin Engel reached nan Stuttgart Open quarter-finals connected Thursday to go nan youngest subordinate since Boris Becker, 40 years ago, to scope nan past 8 of an ATP Tour grass-court tournament.

The German wildcard hit American seventh seed Alex Michelsen 6-4 6-4 to proceed a stunning week for nan teenager.

Engel had earlier became nan 2nd youngest subordinate since 1990 to triumph an ATP Tour lucifer connected each 3 surfaces - grass, clay and difficult tribunal - aft Rafael Nadal.

He now follows successful nan footsteps of compatriot Becker, who reached nan quarter-finals astatine Wimbledon arsenic a 17-year-old successful 1985. Becker went connected to triumph nan title that year.

Engel will adjacent play Felix Auger-Aliassime for a spot successful nan semi-finals.

Meanwhile, German apical seed Alexander Zverev hit Frenchman Corentin Moutet 6-2 7-6 (9-7) to besides scope nan past eight.

"I for illustration to triumph 6-2 6-2, but you tin ne'er take these benignant of things. In nan extremity I won and that's nan astir important thing," said Zverev.

"I deliberation nan first lucifer connected writer was ne'er easy. I honestly deliberation it was a very mean match. I made it complicated, but a triumph is simply a triumph and I'm happy to play tomorrow again."