BASTAD, July 20, 2018

Fernando Verdasco emerged victorious from the all-Spanish affair with No. 2 seed Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarterfinals of the SkiStar Swedish Open on Friday. The 34-year-old from Madrid saved all six break points he faced, capitalizing on three of his own to secure a 6-4, 6-2 victory in one hour and 25 minutes.

Verdasco has reached the stage of the final eight or better in Bastad seven times, highlighted by runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2016. The fifth seed will next take on Fabio Fognini. The tournament’s No. 3 beat Federico Delbonis 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 21 minutes.

Richard Gasquet advanced to the semi-finals with a 7-6(4), 6-2 win over #NextGenATP Norwegian Casper Ruud. The fourth favourite from France sent down six aces and broke his opponent’s serve three times to prevail after one hour and 35 minutes. Next up for Gasquet will be Henri Laaksonen, who fought past Simone Bolelli of Italy 3-6, 6-2, 6-4. The 26-year-old Swiss finished the encounter after one hour and 53 minutes.

Photo Gallery (by Brigitte Urban):