World No. 19 Francisco Cerundolo knocked out unseeded player Zhizhen Zhang with a 6-2, 6-3 victory after 69 minutes on Thursday, advancing to the last four for the first time on grass.
Following the straight-set triumph, the Argentine commented: βSuper happy. I think I played quite [well] in this match on grass, so Iβm really excited to be in the semifinals, to play here on center court.
βIt was amazing, a lot of people. Super happy to be in my first semifinal in a grass tournament, so really excited for tomorrow.β
On Friday, he will face American Mackenzie McDonald, who overpowered Swedish Mikael Ymer in three sets.
The rain delayed the matchup start, but once the action got underway, Cerundolo, aggressive on attack, took the initiative, breaking early to open the score in his favor.
A double break over his adversary would see the Buenos Aires native taking the opener 6-2.
Zhang raised his level into the second set but so did the fourth seed, who recovered from a break down, quickly shutting the door, converting a break on his way to seal the match.
Cerundolo won 84 percent of the first serve points, converting all four breakpoint opportunities.
As of today, the 24-year-old achieved his best career results on the red clay, including the 2022 Nordea Open title, his first and lone ATP trophy, advancing to the Argentina Open final in 2021 and most recently in Lyon at the ATP 250 Open Parc Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes - fell to Frenchman Arthur Fils, held last May.
Last week, the player mentored by Kevin Konfederak contested the Cinch Championships at the Queenβs Club, losing in the second round to 2014 champion Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets.
He launched his campaign at Devonshire Park on Wednesday, rallying to beat Swiss Marc Andrea Huesler 7-6(2), 7-6(5) to set a quarterfinal clash with the 26-year-old from Shanghai.
Meanwhile, the World No. 54, playing his third tournament at tour level on grass, claimed his maiden win on the surface on Tuesday by overcoming former finalist Italian Lorenzo Sonego with a 7-6(4), 6-3, a two-hour first-round test he passed with flying colors.
After the top encounter, he said: βIt was very enjoyable. My first win on grass, so it is amazing.β
βGoing from clay to grass is not easy, different styles. I am happy to win this match.β
Early in May, Zhang made an impressive run at the Mutua Madrid Open, becoming the first Chinese man to progress to a Masters 1000 quarterfinal - lost to qualifier Aslan Karatsev.
He also showcased some of his best tennis at the French Open, making it through the third round, falling to eventual runner-up, World No. 4 Casper Ruud.
Cerundolo and McDonald will meet for the first time on tour at the event.