Matteo Berrettini beat Yannick Hanfmann 6-4 6-4 to reach his second consecutive semifinal at the Generali Open in Kitzbuehl one week after winning his second title of the season. Berrettini has advanced to his fourth final in eight tournaments this year.
Hanfmann did not drop a point in his first two service games. Berrettini earned his first break in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead and sealed the first set 6-4 with three service winners and his sixth ace of the match.
Both players went on serve until the seventh game, when Berrettini earned the break to take a 4-3 lead after a double fault from Hanfmann.
Hanfmann saved three match points in the ninth game for 4-5 with a smash, but Berrettini sealed the win on his fifth opportunity with a drop-shot.
Berrettini dropped just four points and saved the only break point he faced. The Italian player has won his ninth consecutive match without dropping a set.
Berrettini moved up to world number 46 in the ATP Live Ranking and could rise to world number 40 if he wins the title on Saturday. The 2021 Wimbledon finalist has won five titles in his career on clay.
Berrettini set up a final against Frenchman Hugo Gaston, who was leading 6-1 2-0 as his opponent Facundo Diaz Acosta withdrew from the match due to a right knee injury.
“I feel right good. Obviously I feel tired in the way that I have had a lot of matches on my shoulders, but it’s a good feeling. It’s not tired that I cannot play anymore. It’s tired that I am pushing myself and this is what I was looking to before the tournament, hoping to have as many matches as possible”,said Berrettini.
