ATP roundup: Laslo Djere, Hamad Medjedovic set for all-Serbian battle

A Serbian wild card is assured a place in the finals of the Belgrade Open, as both Laslo Djere and Hamad Medjedovic emerged victorious on Thursday, setting up a semifinal clash between the two.

Djere, currently ranked 141st globally, defeated Hungary's Fabian Marozsan with a score of 6-4, 6-2, showcasing his powerful serve with 12 aces and successfully defending the only break point he encountered.

Medjedovic, ranked 156th, also triumphed with a score of 6-4, 6-2 against the third seed Francisco Cerundolo, demonstrating his prowess by hitting five aces, maintaining strong first serves, and breaking the Argentine's serve on four occasions.

The other semifinal will feature Czech fourth seed Jiri Lehecka competing against Canadian qualifier Denis Shapovalov. Lehecka made a comeback to defeat Slovakia's Lukas Klein with a score of 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-3, while Shapovalov secured a win over Australian Christopher O'Connell, finishing 6-2, 6-2.

In Metz, France, eighth seed Alex Michelsen staged a comeback to overcome China's Yunchaokete Bu with a score of 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

The 20-year-old American saved seven out of nine break points and recorded 10 aces among his 40 winners, despite committing more unforced errors (43 to 37). Michelsen, who has finished as a runner-up three times on the ATP Tour without securing a title, remains the only seeded player in the tournament.

He will compete against French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi, who defeated compatriot Quentin Halys with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (1). Great Britain's Cameron Norrie prevailed over Belgium's Zizou Bergs with a score of 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-1.

In the semifinals, Norrie will face France's Corentin Moutet, who received a walkover after top seed Andrey Rublev withdrew earlier this week due to an injury while preparing for the Nitto ATP Finals.

SportsLigue