Berlocq Upsets Chardy In Umag

Carlos Berlocq continued his surprise run at the Konzum Croatia Open Umag on Friday, stunning third seed Jeremy Chardy in a flawless display, 6-4, 6-2.

The Argentinean won 84 per cent of his first serve points and converted on four of nine break point opportunities. From 5-4 in the opening set, Berlocq reeled off six consecutive games as Chardy was left looking for answers. Berlocq’s only hiccup came when he tried to serve out the match at 5-0 in the second set, but made good on his next service game to close out the win.

Berlocq is into his first ATP World Tour semi-final since Buenos Aires in February 2015. He also evened his FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry with Chardy to 1-1.

Next up for Berlocq is the winner of the quarter-final between second seed Joao Sousa and Andrej Martin.

Earlier in the day, Gastao Elias scored another upset win over by defeating sixth seed Pablo Carreno Busta in their quarter-final, 6-4, 6-4.  The Portuguese player was more efficient in all areas than his opponent, winning more service points (56 per cent to 46 per cent ) and return points (53 per cent to 43 per cent).

Elias saved a match point on Thursday in his second-round win over top seed and defending champion Pablo Cuevas. He is now into his second ATP World Tour semi-final of the year, having accomplished that feat last week at the SkiStar Swedish Open.

Elias will play the winner of the quarter-final between fourth seed Fabio Fognini and Damir Dzumhur.