Del Potro keeps climbing in Vienna

Oct 9, 2008 - 12:38 AM VIENNA, Austria (Ticker) -- Juan Martin del Potro continued his ascent through the ATP rankings.

The third-seeded Argentine moved through the first round of the Bank Austria-Tennis Trophy on Wednesday with a 7-6 (9-7), 7-6 (7-5) win over Austrian wild card Martin Fischer.

With his second-round appearance here, del Potro guaranteed that he will jump one spot to a career-high ranking of eighth when the updated standings are released Monday.

The 20-year-old was ranked as low as 81st earlier this season, but he has been climbing steadily since claiming the first four titles of his career this summer.

Del Potro, 30-2 since the start of July, also reached the U.S. Open quarterfinals and comes into this hardcourt event fresh off an appearance in the Tokyo final last weekend.

Up next for del Potro, who will move ahead of American No. 1 Andy Roddick on Monday, is unseeded German Philipp Kohlschreiber.

In the only other first-round match at this hardcourt event, No. 8 Gael Monfils of France came on strong late against Austrian wild card Alexander Peya to post a 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 triumph.

A semifinalist at Bangkok in his event, Monfils next will face Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic.

There were no surprises in second-round play, as both No. 2 Fernando Gonzalez of Chile and fifth-seeded Fernando Verdasco advanced to the quarterfinals.

Verdasco had no trouble dismissing Argentina's Guillermo Canas, 6-1, 6-2, while Gonzalez was forced to scramble for a 4-6, 7-6 (13-11), 6-1 win over Latvian Ernests Gulbis.

German qualifier Philipp Petzschner continued his impressive run, reaching the quarters with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Czech qualifier Jan Hernych.

Petzschner sent shockwaves through the draw Tuesday by upsetting top seed and 2007 finalist Stanislas Wawrinka.

The world No. 125, Petzschner next will face Spanish veteran Carlos Moya, a 6-2, 6-3 winner over Eduardo Schwank of Argentina.

First prize is just over $187,000.