Marrakech Open: Pavel Kotov makes first ATP semi-final

Russian Pavel Kotov edged out Australian Christopher O’Connell 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (3) to move into the semi-finals of the Marrakech Open at the Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech on Friday evening.

Kotov, ranked No 114, will play Frenchman Alexandre Muller next.

Kotov entered this week’s draw in Marrakech with three ATP wins to his name. He has doubled that number this week with wins over Pedro Martinez, No 7-seeded Benjamin Bonzi and O’Connell.

Ahead of his victory, the Russian edged out Spaniard Pedro Martinez (6-2, 1-6, 7-6 (5)) and defeated Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, the No 7 seed (6-0, 7-6 (2)).

O’Connell, ranked No 87, won against Italian qualifier Riccardo Bonadio (7-5, 6-4) and Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp, the No 3 seed (6-7 (8), 6-4, 6-0) earlier in the tournament.

Marrakech ATP250, other last 8 results (Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech, clay, EUR 562.815, most recent results first):

• Alexandre Muller beat Lorenzo Musetti (1): 6-3, 1-6, 6-4
• Roberto Carballes Baena beat Tallon Griekspoor (4): 6-3, 2-6, 6-2
• Daniel Evans (2) beat Andrea Vavassori (Q): 6-3, 7-5