BERGAMO, February 12, 2016

On quarterfinals Friday, Gregoire Barrere knocked out the last seed in the draw of the €42,500 ATP Challenger Internazionali di Tennis Trofeo Perrel-Faip, held at the Pala Norda in Bergamo. The French qualifier lost his service only once against the tournament’s number Michael Berrer, converting three of his own break points to advance after 67 minutes.

Barrere will meet his compatriot Pierre-Hugues Herbert next. The 24-year-old battled past Peter Gojowczyk, firing 25 aces and winning the match 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 in one hour and 55 minutes without gaining a break.

Egor Gerasimov clinched his third win over Aldin Setkic in as many meetings with the Bosnian. The world number 184 from Minsk sent down eight aces and won 85% of his first service points to seal a 6-4, 6-4 victory in one hour and 13 minutes.

“It wasn’t an easy match today. It’s quarterfinals and at this point, every match is complicated,” told Gerasimov, who impressed with a solid serve. “I still try to improve my service. I am good physical condition. This might be the difference compared to last year.”

The 23-year-old had a difficult 2015 season but ended the year by winning his first ATP Challenger trophy in Bratislava. “This title didn’t change anything, despite my ranking. This success made it possible for me to play the qualifying of the Australian Open.” Gerasimov lost in the second round to Ruben Bemelmans but thinks that the future of Belarussian tennis will be a positive one.

“We have some great, very well trained players. I am convinced that Ilya Ivashka (currently No. 371) will climb up the rankings in the nearer future. Together with Dzmitry Zhyrmont, he is my best friend on the tour.”  

Gerasimov will take on Hiroki Moriya, who ousted Marco Chiudinelli 6-4, 6-4. The 25-year-old Japanese converted four of his seven break point opportunities and fired nine aces to prevail in one hour and 37 minutes.