Marrakech Open: Kotov advances to semi-finals, beats qualifier Fognini

Russian Pavel Kotov advanced to the semi-finals of the Marrakech Open by defeating Italian qualifier Fabio Fognini 6-1, 6-2 at Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech on Friday.

Kotov, ranked No 68, will play Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena next.

The Russian won against Moroccan wildcard Elliot Benchetrit (7-5, 6-3) and Italian Flavio Cobolli, the No 8 seed (6-1, 7-6 (5)) ahead of his victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Fognini, ranked No 100, edged out Frenchman Hugo Gaston (6-7 (4), 6-1, 6-4) and Serb Laslo Djere, the top seed (7-6 (1), 2-6, 6-4).

Marrakech ATP 250, other last eight results (Royal Tennis Club de Marrakech, clay, EUR 579.320, most recent results first):

• Mariano Navone vs. Aleksandar Vukic
• Matteo Berrettini vs. Lorenzo Sonego
• Roberto Carballes Baena beat Nicolas Moreno De Alboran (Q): 6-4, 4-6, 6-4