BARLETTA, April 13, 2017

Lukas Rosol stated his intention to clinch his first title since 2014 by reaching the quarterfinals of the €43,000 Citta’ Della Disfida Open held at the Circolo Tennis Barletta.

The 31-year-old Czech, who lifted his last trophy in Winston-Salem and entered the main draw of the ATP Challenger event with a wild card, eased past Enrique López-Pérez from Spain, winning 6-3, 6-4 on Thursday.

Rosol won 74 per cent of his first service points and broke serve three times to advance in 68 minutes. The former World No. 26, who is currently ranked on 161st position goes on the face fourth seed Alessandro Giannessi next. The 26-year-old Italian defeated Nikola Milojevic from Serbia 6-1, 6-3 in 65 minutes.

Aljaz Bedene and Marco Cecchinato will complete the final eight. The second seeded Briton dismissed Matteo Donati of Italy 6-3, 7-6. Bedene sent down six aces and capitalized on three of his 11 break point chances to secure victory in one hour and 42 minutes.

Cecchinato rallied back from a set down to overcome Serbian Filip Krajinovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. The World No. 154 from Sicily won 52 per cent of the total points played to prevail after two hours and nine minutes.