British number one Jack Draper retaliated with a set to pass Matteo Berrettini in the semi-finals of Qatar Open.
The former Wimbledon finalist, Berrettini, took the opening set, but the world number 16, including recent injury problems have been well documented, replied in style to conclude a 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over the Italian.
“I felt in the second set that I was hitting at the door and that I did not take entirely my opportunities but I stayed strong,” said Draper Sky Sports.
“It was such a difficult battle against such a great player. In Australia, I was very proud of my efforts because I arrived in the fourth round without playing tennis during the dead.
“I worked very hard with my coach and my fitness and I’m just happy to have found a better level this week, play games and recover my confidence.”
Draper will now face Jiri Lehecka in the past four times after the Czech player has won a 6-3-6 6-4 shock on the head of Carlos Alcaraz.
It was only the second defeat of the year for the quadruple champion of the Grand Slam in Spain, who also lost against Novak Djokovic in the quarter -final of Australian Open in January.
Andrey Rublev, Russia, beat the second seeded Alex de Minaur d’Australia 6-1 3-6 7-6 (10-8) to organize a meeting in the semi-finals with Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada, which received a Walkover victory against Daniil Medvedev after after the Russian retired by the disease.
