Rennes, October 16, 2015

The semi-finals of the 10th edition of the ATP Challenger Open de Rennes are set.

Eighth seed Illya Marchenko emerged victorious from the Ukrainian-Russian-affair, winning 6-4, 6-3 against Karen Khachanov. The world number 82 from Donetsk won 87% of his first service points and saved the only break point he faced to close the match after one hour and ten minutes. Following his triumph in Mons and making it into the final four in Orleans, Marchenko has reached his third consecutive semi-finals on the Challenger Tour.

The Ukrainian will face Igor Sijsling next, who overcame Jan Mertl in the second encounter of the day between two unseeded players. The 28-year-old Dutch had the better ending in the tie-break of the final set, gaining a 6-7, 6-3, 7-6 victory in two hours and eight minutes.

Igor Sijsling

Fourth seed Malek Jaziri edged sixth seed Marsel Ilhan 6-2, 1-6, 6-2. The world number 109 from Tunesia won 76% of his first Service points and converted four of his nine break point opportunities to close the match in one hour and 36 minutes.

Jaziri will face Ivan Dodig in the semi-finals. The seventh-seeded Croatian won the second tour meeting with Vincent Millot 6-4, 4-6, 6-3. Dodig fired 18 aces and lost his service only once, breaking his opponent two times. The world number 127 sealed victory in two hours and 24 minutes.