Gasquet Ends Zverev's Run For Shenzhen SF Spot

Third seed Richard Gasquet is through to the Shenzhen Open semi-finals after edging qualifier Mischa Zverev 7-6(4), 7-6(2) on Friday.

The Frenchman prevailed in just over two hours to claim his 28^th win of the season. Zverev had not dropped a set in advancing to his first ATP World Tour quarter-final in almost a year, but came up just short against Gasquet, despite saving 11 of 14 break points. The German was looking to reach his first semi-final in six years.

The 30-year-old Gasquet is chasing his second ATP World Tour title of the season, following victory in Montpellier in February (d. Mathieu). It has been, at times, a frustrating year for the right-hander, hampered by back, rib and abdominal injuries. But he is looking to get back on track after a surprise first-round defeat to Kyle Edmund at the US Open.

Gasquet goes on to face Malek Jaziri or Janko Tipsarevic for a place in his 26^th ATP World Tour final.