YOKOHAMA, March 2, 2018

Jordan Thompson headlined Friday’s quarterfinal action of the $75,000 Keio Challenger International Tennis Tournament 2018 held on hard courts at the Keio University. The top seed from Australia fought past French veteran Stephane Robert 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

Thompson sent down eight aces, winning 66 per cent of his first service points to seal victory in one hour and 46 minutes. The World No. 92 advanced to his third consecutive semi-final on the ATP Challenger Tour this season. Thompson clinched the title in Chennai and finished runner-up to compatriot John Milllman in Kyoto last week.

Next up for Thompson will be Yusataka Uchiyama, who knocked out No. 4 seed and fellow Japanese Go Soeda 4-6, 7-6, 6-3. Uchiyama outpointed his opponent 110-98 to prevail after two hours and 27 minutes.

Cem Ilkel of Turkey defeated Tobias Kamke from Germany 7-6, 6-2 in one hour and 28 minutes to set a semi-final clash with No. 7 seed Tatsuma Ito, who emerged victorious from the all-Japanese-encounter with Hiroki Moriya 6-3, 6-3. Later in the day, however, Ilkel announced that he will be forced to withdraw from his upcoming match due to personal reasons. Consequently, Ito will be the first finalist of the singles draw.