De Minaur too strong for Thompson in Cup

Alex de Minaur has won an enterprising battle of the Australians to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP's Mercedes Cup in Stuttgart.

De Minaur triumphed over a gallant Jordan Thompson in three sets, winning 6-7 (10-8) 6-3 6-4.

Thompson, the world No.64, served nine aces but failed to win the big moments, missing out on six break-point opportunities.

De Minaur will now meet Jurij Rodionov, who won his match against Peter Gojowczyk when he retired while 5-3 down in the first set, for a place in the semi-finals.

The world No.22 and fourth seed for the tournament is on the same side of the draw as top seed Denis Shapovalov, who meets Alexei Popyrin's conqueror Feliciano Lopez for a place in the last eight.

Meanwhile James Duckworth's brave bid to join de Minaur in the next round fell short against Sam Querrey.

The big-serving American needed 23 aces to edge out the game Sydneysider 6-4 7-6 (9-7).