Qualifier Federico Delbonis is one match win away from reaching his second final at the German Tennis Championships 2017 after beating third-seeded #NextGenATP Karen Khachanov, currently at a career-high No. 32 in the Emirates ATP Rankings, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 in two hours and 18 minutes on Friday. “He hit big shots from the baseline, but I was able to return them and open up the court by staying aggressive,” said Delbonis.
Four years ago, No. 81-ranked Delbonis beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals before losing to Fabio Fognini in his first ATP World Tour final. He will next meet his Argentinean compatriot, lucky loser and 2014 champion Leonardo Mayer, who defeated Jiri Vesely 7-6(4), 6-3, in the quarter-finals on Friday.
German Philipp Kohlschreiber helped keep home hopes alive with a 7-6(6), 4-6, 6-4 win against Argentina's Nicolas Kicker that lasted two hours and 37 minutes. Kohlschreiber broke Kicker three times in the decider to return to the semi-finals (also 2014).
"It was a very tough battle out there, a roller-coaster match," said Kohlschreiber. "I had a great start, he fought back very hard and we played some good, clay-court tennis today.
"I really enjoy playing on my home field. The kind of pressure that I have to perform well, I like it. It helps lift my game."
Kohlschreiber will meet compatriot Florian Mayer in the semi-finals. The 33-year-old Mayer eliminated the lone seed remaining in the draw, sixth seed Diego Schwartzman of Argentina, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3. The last German champion in Hamburg was current tournament director Michael Stich in 1993.
Dodig/Pavic Cruise Into Doubles Final
Top-seeded Croatians Ivan Dodig and Mate Pavic won 27 of 30 first service points to beat third seeds Julio Peralta and Horacio Zeballos 7-5, 6-0 in 61 minutes for a place in the doubles final. Dodig will be attempting to improve upon his 7-11 finals record, while Pavic – runner-up with Michael Venus last year – bids to better his 6-13 mark in title matches.
Second seeds Pablo Cuevas and Marc Lopez meet Julian Knowle and David Marrero in the semi-finals on Saturday.