TODI/STARNBERG, August 16, 2024
The semifinals of the Internazionali di Tennis Città di Todi | Sidernestor Tennis Cup have been set. At the ATP Challenger Tour 75 tournament organized by MEF Tennis Events at the Tennis Club Todi 1971, top seed Stefano Travaglia secured his third win in Umbria following a 7-6(1), 6-4 against Gastao Elias of Portugal and will face Carlos Taberner, who emerged victorious from a marathon match against Lukas Pavlovic from France 4-6, 6-7(8), 7-6(5).
Flying to the semifinals in Todi 🙌🏻
Tomorrow 🔝 seed Stefano #Travaglia will face Taberner to earn a spot in the final.#tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger #Todi pic.twitter.com/yiKptA762T
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 15, 2024
“The serve was crucial today,” said World No. 226 Travaglia. “Except for a couple of moments when my opponent raised his level, I was able to use it effectively to get out of tricky situations when I was struggling with his rhythm. Whenever possible, I stepped into the court to take control of the rallies, and it paid off. I’m very pleased.”
This week, Travaglia’s wife, Maria Paola, has been by his side, providing additional support that will be valuable for his semifinal match: “For me, it’s a significant help off the court. Today, I felt her presence, and at times I really needed it. It’s great that she’s here, and I’ll rely on her for the semifinal as well.”
Taberner continues fine run of form
H E R O I C 🦸
Carlos #Taberner earns a spot in the Todi semifinals after a 3-hour, 36-minute battle against Pavlovic 🤯#tennis #InternazionaliTodi #ATPChallenger #Todi pic.twitter.com/qqYlH2kNzg
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) August 15, 2024
Taberner reached the stage of the last four after a match that lasted more than three hours. “It was one of the toughest matches of my career,” the Spaniard said.
“I had a match point in the second set and didn’t take advantage of it. At times, I was less aggressive, but full credit goes to my opponent. Pavlovic played incredibly, and it’s thanks to him that the match lasted so long.”
After reaching the final in Cordenons last week, Taberner has now won seven of his last eight matches: “I’m working hard to climb back up the rankings, and I’m very happy with my current form. Am I happy about the semifinal against Travaglia? It will be a high-level match, and I’m definitely glad to have the chance to compete. Now I need rest, and tomorrow I’ll focus on the match.”
Friday’s action will kick off with a clash between Santiago Rodriguez Taverna and Cezar Cretu. The Argentine came from behind to defeat Lorenzo Giustino of Italy 2-6, 6-2, 6-4, while the Romanian advanced to the semifinals after Facundo Juarez of Argentina retired when the score was 5-7, 7-5.
THURSDAY RESULTS
Quarterfinals – Singles
Stefano Travaglia (1) b. Gastao Elias 7-6(1) 6-4
Carlos Taberner b. Luka Pavlovic (Q) 6-4 6-7(8) 7-5(5)
Cezar Cretu b. Facundo Juarez (Q) 5-7 7-5 ret.
Santiago Rodriguez Taverna b. Lorenzo Giustino 2-6 6-2 6-4
