ISMANING, October 20, 2017

The 32-man-draw has been whittled down to the final four at the €43,000 Wolffkran Open, as two Italian and two German players will compete in Saturday’s semi-finals at the Sportpark Ismaning.

Second seed Dustin Brown, the highest ranked player left in the singles main draw, defeated Polish qualifier Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-3. The 32-year-old from Celle saved all three break points he faced, converting two of his own to advance in one hour and nine minutes.

In his first semi-final at ATP Challenger-level since the Aegon Surbiton Trophy in June, Brown will face fellow German Yannick Hanfmann, who eased past Tristan Lamasine of France 6-1, 6-2.

Earlier in the day, Matteo Donati emerged victorious from the all-Italian-encounter with fifth seed Salvatore Caruso 7-5, 6-3. The 22-year-old from Alessandria struck 12 aces, winning 72 per cent of his first service points to seal victory in one hour and 28 minutes.

Donati will next play his in-form compatriot Lorenzo Sonego, who clinched his maiden Challenger title in Ortisei last Sunday. Sonego rallied from a set down to overcome local favourite Daniel Masur 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. The World No. 265 from Torino won 89 of the 173 total points played to prevail after one hour and 53 minutes. Sonego beat Donati exactly one week ago, winning two tie-breaks in the semis of the Val Gardena Challenger.