Dominic Thiem produced his best performance of the season on Thursday at the Estoril Open where he moved past American Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-2 to reach his first quarter-final of the season.
The Austrian won with confidence in the opening round against fellow countryman Sebastian Ofner and followed it up with a commanding performance against Shelton. He defeated the American by smashing the ball off both wings, recording his first consecutive tour-level victories since reaching the Antwerp semifinals in October. When he faces either Quentin Halys or fourth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the round of eight, the former World No. 3 will look to extend his winning streak. If he makes it to the semi-finals at Estoril, Thiem will move up eight spots to No. 103 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings and re-enter the Top 100.