Thiago Seyboth Wild, Brazil’s number 2 tennis player, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ATP 250 in Kitzbuhel, Austria, on Thursday, July 24, 2025. In a match lasting 1 hour and 49 minutes, the Brazilian fell to Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp in straight sets, 7-6 (7-2), 6-2. Played on clay, the match showcased moments of competitiveness, but Van de Zandschulp’s consistency secured his spot in the semifinals against Alexander Bublik. Wild, aiming to regain ranking points after a challenging season, failed to capitalize on key opportunities despite an aggressive approach.
Ranked 132nd globally, Wild was coming off a notable victory against Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut in the previous round, raising hopes for a deeper run in the Austrian tournament. However, the loss halts his campaign in Kitzbuhel, where he was defending points from a 2024 quarterfinal appearance. The defeat underscores Wild’s ongoing struggle for consistency following injuries, including surgeries in November 2024.
- Wild’s performance: Converted only 1 of 5 break point opportunities.
- Van de Zandschulp: Won 80% of first-serve points.
- Match duration: Lasted 1 hour and 49 minutes, with a tiebreak in the first set.
Wild’s exit marks the end of Brazilian participation in the tournament, while Van de Zandschulp advances with confidence toward the title.
First set: tight battle and missed opportunities
The match opened with Thiago Wild playing aggressively. In the second game, he broke Van de Zandschulp’s serve, capitalizing on the Dutchman’s errors. The lead was short-lived, as Van de Zandschulp broke back immediately, leveling the score at 2-2. The set remained closely contested, with both players holding serve until the sixth game, when Wild earned a golden chance. Facing a 0-40 deficit on his serve, Van de Zandschulp committed three double faults, but Wild couldn’t convert, allowing the Dutchman to hold.
In the 11th game, Wild’s serve faltered, and he was broken, putting Van de Zandschulp one game from the set. Showing resilience, the Brazilian broke back as the Dutchman served for the set, forcing a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Van de Zandschulp dominated, capitalizing on Wild’s errors to close it out 7-2 in a set that lasted about an hour.
Second set: Van de Zandschulp takes control
The second set saw Wild struggling to maintain momentum. In the third game, he earned another 0-40 opportunity on Van de Zandschulp’s serve but again failed to convert. From that point, the Dutchman took charge. Finding his rhythm, Van de Zandschulp broke Wild’s serve in the sixth game to lead 4-2. With growing confidence, he maintained pressure and secured another break in the eighth game, sealing the set 6-2 and advancing to the semifinals.
Van de Zandschulp’s efficiency, particularly his 80% first-serve point win rate, proved decisive. Wild, meanwhile, struggled with 18 unforced errors, which hindered his chances in critical moments.
- Break point chances: Wild converted 1 of 5 break points.
- Wild’s errors: The Brazilian committed 18 unforced errors.
- Van de Zandschulp’s efficiency: Won 65% of second-serve points.
Wild’s journey in Kitzbuhel
Thiago Wild reached the quarterfinals with a strong showing in earlier rounds. In the first round, he defeated young German Justin Engel 7-5, 6-3 in a 1-hour, 38-minute match. In the second round, Wild upset fourth seed Roberto Bautista Agut in a thrilling double 7-5 victory, showcasing his aggressive style and serving prowess. The win over Bautista Agut was a highlight, given the Spaniard’s experience on clay.
Kitzbuhel was a chance for Wild to regain ranking points, as he was defending a quarterfinal appearance from 2024, when he lost to Yannick Hanfmann. Despite the loss to Van de Zandschulp, Wild’s performance signals progress after a 2024 season disrupted by injuries, including surgeries for three abdominal hernias and a shoulder cyst.
Thiago Wild’s career highlights
Hailing from Marechal Cândido Rondon, Paraná, Thiago Wild, 25, excels on clay, where he has earned 82% of his professional wins. His biggest achievement came in 2020, when he won the ATP 250 in Santiago, becoming the youngest Brazilian to claim an ATP title, surpassing Gustavo Kuerten’s record. Another milestone was his 2023 Roland Garros upset over Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller, one of the biggest wins of his career.
- Santiago title: Won in 2020 at age 19 against Casper Ruud.
- Roland Garros upset: Defeated Medvedev in 2023 in five sets.
- Career-high ranking: 58th in the world, reached in May 2024.
- 2024 surgeries: Addressed three abdominal hernias and a shoulder cyst.
Currently ranked 132nd, Wild aims to reclaim Brazil’s top spot, now held by João Fonseca (47th). His move to Argentina in 2023 to train on clay has bolstered his performances in South American and European tournaments.
Van de Zandschulp’s performance
Botic Van de Zandschulp, 29, is a versatile player with solid results on clay. Ranked 103rd, the Dutchman arrived in Kitzbuhel after a 6-3, 7-6 (4) win in the previous round. His consistency and patience in rallies were key against Wild. He now faces Alexander Bublik, the third seed, in the semifinals, in what promises to be a competitive match.
Van de Zandschulp thrives in ATP 250 events, where his experience in extended matches and high-altitude conditions, like Kitzbuhel’s, suits his game. His win over Wild strengthens his momentum toward a potential final appearance.
- Current ranking: 103rd, with a career-high of 22nd in 2022.
- Clay performance: 60% win rate in ATP 250 tournaments.
- Next opponent: Alexander Bublik, for a spot in the final.
Ranking implications for Wild
The quarterfinal exit limits Wild’s ability to make an immediate ranking jump. Defending points from a similar run in 2024, he is likely to remain around 132nd, though consistent results in upcoming events could push him closer to the top 100 by year-end. His focus will be on maintaining form and avoiding injuries.
Wild’s next tournaments will likely include clay events in Europe or South America, where he can leverage his strengths. His Kitzbuhel performance, while not enough to advance, shows he is regaining competitive edge.
Kitzbuhel ATP 250 overview
The Generali Open in Kitzbuhel, a storied tournament since 1894, is played on clay and offers 542,000 euros in prize money. The champion earns 250 ATP points and roughly 88,000 euros. Known for its high-altitude conditions, the event favors long rallies, testing players’ endurance, as seen in Wild’s match.
- Prize money: 542,000 euros, with 88,000 euros for the winner.
- Points: 250 ATP points for the champion.
- Surface: Clay, with high-altitude conditions.
- 2025 edition: Features players like Sebastian Baez and Alexander Bublik.
Wild’s next steps
Following Kitzbuhel, Wild will likely target clay tournaments like the ATP 250 in Umag, Croatia, or South American Challengers to accumulate points. The 2025 season is a rebuilding year for the Brazilian, who aims to recapture his top-100 form after a challenging 2024. His upset over Bautista Agut in Kitzbuhel highlights his potential, but consistency remains the key.
