Jack Draper number one England fought from set down to advance through Matteo Berrettini to the Qatar Open semifinals.
The former runner-up of Wimbledon Berrettini, took the opening set, but the World Number 16 Draper, which was a recent injury problem has been well documented, Responding to the style of completing the 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over Italy.
“I felt in the second set I knocked on the door and was not enough to take my chance but I remained strong,” Draper told Sky Sports.
“It was a difficult battle against great players. In Australia I was very proud of my efforts because I arrived in the fourth round without playing tennis outside the season.
“I work very hard with my coach and fitness and I am happy to find a better level this week, play matches and get my confidence back.”
Draper will now face Jiri Lehecka in the last four after the Czech player claims the surprise 6-3 3-6 6-4 wins over the top seed Carlos Alcaraz.
It was only the second defeat this year for the grand Slam champion four times Spain, who also lost to Novak Djokovic in the quarter -finals of the Australian Open in January.
Andrey Rublev from Russia defeated second seed Alex de Minaur from Australia 6-1 3-6 7-6 (10-8) to hold a semifinal meeting with Felix Auger-Aliasime Canada, which was awarded Walkover’s victory against Daniil Medvedev after Russia retired through disease.
