Umag, Croatia – Italians Andreas Seppi and Fabio Fognini both advanced to the semifinal round after posting victories during play at the ATP Vegeta Croatia Open on Friday.
The second-seeded Seppi was declared the winner in his quarterfinal match after Argentinean counterpart Horacio Zeballos was forced to retire in the first set because of a strained intercostal muscle.
Seppi was ahead, 6-5, at the time and will challenge Tommy Robredo for a spot in the final. The fifth-seeded and former World No. 5 Robredo was a straight set winner on Friday, ousting Aljaz Bedene in 6-1, 6-4 fashion.
Fognini, the No. 3 seed, made quick work of sixth-seeded Slovakian Martin Klizan to reach the semis, earning a 6-4, 6-2 victory in 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Fognini is riding a 12-match winning streak and will look to extend it against Gael Monfils, who outlasted Albert Montanes in three sets, 6-2, 5-7, 7-5.
Montanes had reached the quarters by upsetting top seed Richard Gasquet on Wednesday.
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