Whilst it was not the easiest of quarter-final meetings, Swiss superstar Roger Federer is through to the final four in the inaugural Istanbul Open. He is scheduled to face qualifier Diego Sebastian Schwartzman in the semi-final round of the tournament in what will mark the second time the two athletes will meet on the professional tour. Federer leads the head-to-head series 1-0 and will look to maintain that undefeated streak on Saturday.

Roger Federer found himself in a competitive battle on Friday afternoon when he needed three sets to defeat Daniel Gimeno-Traver. The contest lasted a total of two hours and 27 minutes and saw Federer close out the encounter 7-6(3), 6-7(5), 6-3.

For the first time in his career, Diego Schwartzman has advanced to the semi-final stage of an ATP World Tour event, where he will challenge one of the all-time greats for a spot in the final. It was a surprising win, particularly since Diego dropped the opening set 6-0 and was forced to rally back to win the match. During the second two sets, he only dropped a total of four games to finish the match in one hour and 51 minutes.

“I have advanced to the first semi-final of my career,” said Schwartzman. “I lost the first eight games. He started playing really well and maybe I was a little bit nervous. Sometimes it happens. The crowd was amazing for me. I hope tomorrow will be the same.”

Federer and Schwartzman have only crossed paths twice previously on the professional tour, with Federer leading the series 1-0. Their first meeting also took pace this season at the Indian Wells Masters 1000 event. While there is always the possibility for a staggering upset at such events, it is highly unlikely we will witness one in this particular match. Given his form so far this season, Federer will be looking to make a deep run in an important clay court preparation tournament ahead of the French Open.