Holger Rune has ended James Duckworth’s Brisbane run, but the top seed didn’t get it all his own way in a 6-2 7-6 (8-6) quarter-final triumph.
The world No.8 will play in-form Russian Roman Safiullin for a spot in the Brisbane International final on Sunday, potentially against fit-again Rafael Nadal.
The Danish 20-year-old was pushed in the one-hour, 45-minute tussle on Pat Rafter Arena against 31-year-old Duckworth, who reached Brisbane’s last eight in 2015 — when Rune was just 11.
But Duckworth, who leapt back into the world’s top 100 thanks to his run through qualifying, was made to regret some untimely unforced errors among his 20 in total, to go with just 16 winners.
Rune broke twice in a one-sided first set, then resisted the pressure that came in the second, with Duckworth saving two match points before eventually conceding.
“It was a really good match, especially the first set,” Rune said.
“I started strong, put him under pressure and was feeling good with my shots.
“He changed the strategy a bit (in the second set) … I’m happy I was able to close it in two sets, I feel great.”
Safiullin, who saved five match points against Australian Alexei Popyrin in the second round, eased past Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 7-6 (7-4) 6-2 earlier on Friday.
Australian wildcard Rinky Hijikata will play second seed Grigor Dimitrov, and Nadal faces another local hope, Jordan Thompson, on Friday night to decide the final two semifinal berths.
AAP