SEGOVIA, August 8, 2015

Four countries were represented on semi-finals Saturday at the Open Castilla y León ATP Challenger in El Espinar.

Evgeny Donskoy knocked off top-seed Marcel Granollers in their first tour meeting, winning 6-2, 7-6. The 25-year-old Russian fired seven aces and won 84% of his first service points to prevail after one hour and 24 minutes. Donskoy, who claimed the title in El Espinar in 2012, advanced to his third final of the season, his second in a row after Astana last week.

Marcel Granollers (photo: Alberto Simon)

“I played a great level throughout the match. I am very happy with the win. I have played pretty well for the last two weeks, having a lot of confidence. The courts in El Espinar suit my game, as it’s fast and I enjoy playing here,” Donskoy told afterwards. Granollers will get an opportunity for a quick revenge, as both players will meet in the opening round at the ATP Challenger in Portoroz next week.

Evgeny Donskoy (photo: Alberto Simon)

In the second semi-final Marco Chiudinelli defeated Connor Smith, winning 6-7, 6-2, 6-4. The 33-year-old Swiss hit nine aces and saved all six break points he faced and capitalized on three of his own to prevail after two hours and 33 minutes.

“It was a difficult match. We didn’t play a lot of spectacular rallies but, like yesterday, I was focused in the important moments. I also stayed calm after I had lost the opening set, which helped to eventually close the match,” Chiudinelli said.

Marco Chiudinelli (photo: Alberto Simon)

Alexander Kudryavtsev and Denys Molchanov claimed the doubles title, winning the final 6-2, 6-4 against second seedes pair of Aliaksandr Bury and Andreas Siljestrom in 61 minutes.

“I like playing here. There is always nice weather. It is really nice here and everyone tries to help you in everything you need. Maybe the centre court wasn’t at its best condition this year, but this wasn’t important for me. In general everything was fine,” Kudryavstsev told, who defended his title, after he had been successful last year teaming up with Viktor Baluda.

Alexander Kudryavtsev and Denys Molchanov