Quick Read
- German tennis player Yannick Hanfmann (world No. 81) is competing in the Movistar Chile Open quarterfinals on February 27, 2026.
- Hanfmann faces Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas (world No. 107) on clay courts, with Hanfmann favored to win.
- He has previously reached the Santiago quarterfinals in 2022 and 2023, showcasing his comfort on the local clay.
- A strong performance in this tournament is crucial for Hanfmann to improve his current ranking after reaching a career-high No. 45 in 2023.
SANTIAGO (Azat TV) – German professional tennis player Yannick Hanfmann is set to compete in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Movistar Chile Open today, Friday, February 27, against Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas. This crucial match on the clay courts of Santiago offers Hanfmann, currently ranked world No. 81, a significant opportunity to build momentum and improve his standing after achieving a career-high ATP singles ranking of world No. 45 in July 2023.
Hanfmann, standing at 193cm, enters the quarterfinal as the favored player, with betting odds placing his win probability at 74.0% against Gaubas, who is ranked No. 107. The matchup is keenly watched as Hanfmann aims to secure a spot in the semifinals, a stage he has reached twice before at the Santiago tournament in 2022 and 2023, alongside a Round of 16 appearance in 2025.
His journey to the quarterfinals has been marked by strong performances, including straight-set victories over Dusan Lajovic (6-0, 6-3) and Camilo Ugo Carabelli (6-4, 6-3). These wins underscore his comfort and proficiency on clay, a surface where he has maintained a 12-8 record over the past year. Hanfmann boasts a 74.1% serve winning percentage and a 31.8% return winning percentage on clay within the last 12 months, converting 38.1% of his break points.
Vilius Gaubas, making his debut in Santiago, has also shown resilience, securing his quarterfinal berth with wins against Matias Soto (6-2, 6-3) and a challenging three-set comeback against Dino Prizmic (5-7, 7-5, 6-3). Gaubas’s clay record over the past year is slightly better at 14-6, with comparable serve-winning percentages (74.4%) and a higher break-point conversion rate of 47.1%.
Analysts suggest Hanfmann’s primary advantage lies in his more powerful serve and heavier first forehand, which could be critical in earning quick holds and blunting Gaubas’s pressure game. Gaubas, known for his aggressive return game, will likely seek to extend rallies and test Hanfmann’s backhand. The German’s extensive experience on the Santiago clay courts and his proven ability to navigate high-pressure situations are considered key factors in his favor, as highlighted by Probahis analysis.
Both players recently participated in the Rio Open presented by Claro, where Hanfmann was defeated in the Round of 16 by Juan Manuel Cerundolo, and Gaubas lost to Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the same round. For Hanfmann, a deep run in the Movistar Chile Open is vital not only for tournament success but also for accumulating crucial ATP points to ascend the rankings and solidify his position among the world’s top players.
The ability to consistently perform in ATP 250 tournaments like the Movistar Chile Open is crucial for players like Yannick Hanfmann to maintain competitive relevance and climb back towards career-best rankings, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of sustaining top-tier performance in professional tennis.