By Niall Clarke
- Aljaz Bedene is through to the semi finals of the Chennai Open
- He defeated Ramkumar Ramanathan in three sets
- There were also victories for Stan Wawrinka, Benoit Paire and Borna Coric.
Chennai, India- Aljaz Bedene is through to the semi finals of the Chennai open after a three set victory over Ramkumar Ramanathan.
The British number two lost a first set tiebreaker but came back to defeat the Indian (5)6-7, 6-4, 6-3 in two hours and 20 minutes.
The wildcard is ranked 203 places below Bedene but gave the world number 45 a stern test, especially in the opening set. Inspired by his home crowd, Ramanathan took the opener to a tiebreak and against the odds won the first set 7-5.
There seemed to be an upset on the cards when the Indian earned break points in the second set, but Bedene remained headstrong and held serve. Instead the Brit would earn the first break of the match at 5-4 and in the process levelling the scores at one set all.
The third set signalled the shift in momentum towards the world number 45 as he earned an early break of serve. From there it was routine for Bedene who served the match out for a 6-3 final set victory.
Borna Coric will await Bedene in the last four after his own come from behind victory. The Croatian youngster lost the first set to Roberto Bautista Agut, but came back to seal it 3-6, 6-4 7-6(1).
Coric is one of the most highly touted youngster on tour and is ranked one placed ahead of Bedene in the ATP world rankings. The Croatian won their only previous meeting in straight sets at the Umag Open last year.
Elsewhere in Chennai, best friends Stan Wawrinka and Benoit Paire will contest the other semi final after both recorded straight sets wins at the start of the day. The French Open champion had no problems in dismissing Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 whilst Paire defeated Thomas Fabbiano 6-4, 7-5.
Wawrinka leads the head to head 5-1 but expect a close match with plenty of backhand winners between one of the best single handers and one best two handers on tour.
Bedene and Coric will take to court at 13:00 GMT Saturday afternoon.
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