Etcheverry continues chase for first title in Lyon

Tomas Martin Etcheverry’s quest for his first ATP Tour title gathered steam on Thursday at the Open Parc, where he dispatched German Dominik Koepfer 6-4, 6-1 to reach the semi-finals in Lyon.

The Argentine faced continued pressure on serve throughout the clash but largely held firm, saving 14 of 15 break points en route to a one-hour, 39-minute win.

"It was a great battle," Etcheverry said. "Yesterday Dominik won against [Ugo] Humbert and I know he is playing at a high level. He reached the third round in Rome, so he is playing very good on clay. I am really happy to get the win and let's continue with this level."

Etcheverry also had to withstand moments of magic from Koepfer, who produced one of the shots of the year in the first set when he tracked down a lob and hit a forehand scoop that looped over a standard Etcheverry.

Into his sixth tour-level semi-final, Etcheverry will next face Italian Luciano Darderi after the Cordoba winner received a walkover from Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech.

The sixth seed Etcheverry is chasing his first title, having lost finals in Santiago and Houston last season. The No. 29 player in the PIF ATP Rankings reached the last four in Houston and Barcelona earlier this year.

Second seed Alexander Bublik reached his first clay-court ATP Tour semi-final with a 6-7(4), 7-6(4), 6-3 win against Pavel Kotov.

Bublilk fired 32 winners, including 11 aces, to triumph after three hours and 11 minutes at the ATP 250. The 26-year-old is chasing his second trophy of the season after winning in Montpellier in February.

He will next play French wild card Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard or French qualifier Hugo Gaston.