TODI/STARNBERG, August 17, 2023
Italians Francesco Maestrelli and Luciano Darderi are set to face off in the semi-finals of the Internazionali Città di Todi | Sidernestor Tennis Cup.
Maestrelli defeated former junior World No. 1 Gabriel Debru of France 7-6(4), 6-4 in the stage of the last eight on Thursday. The No. 8 seed of the €73,000 ATP Challenger Tour clay-court tournament in Todi capitalized on five of his 10 break-point chances to advance in two hours and six minutes.
INTO THE SEMIS 👏
Francesco #Maestrelli 🇮🇹 supera il giovane talento Debru 🇫🇷 e conquista le semifinali agli Internazionali di Tennis Città di #Todi Sidernestor Tennis Cup 🫶🏼#tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger @SuperTennisTv pic.twitter.com/fMakA6cFJv
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 17, 2023
“I really have to give credit to Gabriel, a young and truly strong opponent. He has a bright future ahead,” said Maestrelli, who captured his maiden Challenger crown on home soil in Verona last year. “Despite his age, he shows a mature attitude, and his backhand and serve are strokes of a genuine top player. The match was challenging, and I had to bring out the best in me.”
On Grandstand court, Darderi cruised past Spanish qualifier Carlos Sanchez Jover 6-0, 6-1. The No. 7 seed struck four aces and won 88 per cent of his first-service points to seal victory in only 55 minutes.
In the top half of the draw, Clement Tabur of France overcame Moez Echargui from Tunisia 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(7) in three hours and 38 minutes. The 23-year-old Reims native will play Italian Giovanni Fonio in the semi-finals, a 6-3, 6-4 winner over British qualifier Felix Gill.
THURSDAY RESULTS
Singles – Quarterfinals
Clement Tabur b. Moez Echargui 6-4 3-6 7-6(7)
Giovanni Fonio b. Felix Gill (Q) 6-3 6-4
Luciano Darderi (7) b. Carlos Sanchez Jover (Q) 6-0 6-1
Francesco Maestrelli (8) b. Gabriel Debru 7-6(4) 6-4
📆 Order of Play | Friday August 18
💣 Singles and Doubles Semifinals 💣 #tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger @ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/7vrEGXXV5H
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 17, 2023
