UMAG, Croatia (AP) – Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz raced past Facundo Bagnis 6-0, 6-4 at the Croatia Open on Friday to reach his seventh semifinal of the year.
The 19-year-old Spaniard is defending the first ATP title he won in the coastal town of Umag last year.
Fifth-ranked Alcaraz saved the only break point he faced as he improved his 2022 record on clay to 26-3.
He next plays Italian qualifier Giulio Zeppieri who beat Bernabe Zapata Miralles of Spain 7-5, 6-4.
Second-seeded Jannik Sinner reached his first semifinal this year after a 6-4, 7-6 (5) victory over Roberto Carballes Baena.
The Italian failed to serve the match out at 6-5 in the second set before prevailing in the tiebreaker.
“I’m very happy, obviously,” Sinner said. “I’ve won many matches but I think I’ve had some unfortunate moments this year.”
Sinner will face Franco Agamenone who surged past 2018 Umag champion Marco Cecchinato 6-2, 6-1 in a match between Italian qualifiers.