Safiullin sets up possible Djokovic semi-final in Tel Aviv

Russian Roman Safiullin won against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 6-1 to move into the semi-finals of the Tel Aviv Open at Expo Tel Aviv on Friday afternoon.

Safiullin, ranked No 104, will play the winner of the match between Serb Novak Djokovic, the top seed, and Canadian lucky loser Vasek Pospisil next.

The Russian beat Frenchman Hugo Grenier (3-6, 6-4, 6-2) and Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry (6-1, 6-4) in the previous rounds of the Tel Aviv.

Earlier in the tournament, Rinderknech, ranked No 58, won against Romanian qualifier Marius Copil (6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3) and edged out Argentinian Diego Schwartzman, the No 3 seed (6-3, 2-6, 7-6 (7)).

Tel Aviv ATP 250, other quarter-final results (Expo Tel Aviv, USD 949.475, most recent results first):

• Novak Djokovic vs. Vasek Pospisil
• Constant Lestienne beat Maxime Cressy (4): 6-7 (4), 6-3, 7-6 (3)
• Liam Broady vs. Marin Čilić