FÜRTH, June 06, 2015

The two top-seeds fell on a hot semi-finals Saturday at the Franken Challenge with temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius in Fürth.

The tournament’s number one Albert Ramos lost his first meeting with Albert Montaῆes in straight sets 6-2, 6-3. In the all-Catalan-affair, Montaῆes lost his service only once and capitalized on four of his own nine break point opportunities. The 34-year-old from Sant Carles de la Rapita won 92% of his first service points to seal victory in 80 minutes.

Second seed Blaz Rola was knocked out by Taro Daniel. The 22-year-old Japanese, who lives and practices in Valencia, emerged victorious winning 6-4, 6-0. The Slovenian had the better start into the match, gaining an early 3-1 lead but Daniel came back to take the opening set. The world number 168 also started well into the second frame, was 3-0 up and eventually served out to reach his second final of the season after one hour and 19 minutes.

Daniel claimed the ATP Challenger title in Vercelli six weeks ago and will face Montaῆes for the first time on the tour. The world number 155 from Spain has reached his first ATP Challenger final in 2015, his first since winning the title in Cordenons in August last year.

Albert Montanes captured his 8th ATP Challenger title in Cordenons 2014

Taro Daniel claimed his maiden Challenger title in Vercelli this year (photo: Andrea Cherchi)