Khachanov

Karen Khachanov is the first player to advance to the Open 13 Provence semi-final. Seeded no.9, he powered past Julien Benneteau, taking the match 6-4, 6-4.

The quarter-final got off to such a promising start for Benneteau. The French veteran chalked up a 3-0 lead after winning an early break, no mean feat when playing an opponent like Khachanov. But the backlash was not long in coming. Moving up a gear, the Russian took the next five games, before claiming the first set 6-4.

16 aces for Khachanov

Khachanov, who stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m), put his serve to excellent use, clocking up 16 aces. The 21-year-old, who made it to the round of 16 at the French Open last year, conceded only two break point opportunities during the entire match. With no weapons left in his arsenal, Benneteau bowed out at 6-4, 6-4, after 1 hour and 23 minutes of play. "I think he'll be in the top 10 one day," said the Frenchman after the match.

According to Khachanov, "I have a long way to go yet. My goals are even higher. It's a step-by-step process. I think I keep improving. I'm focusing on different aspects of my game, trying to keep growing as a player and as a person. I hope that will bring me to the next level."

Khachanov advances to the semi-final where he will face Tomas Berdych. Meanwhile, Benneteau, 36, is not quite ready to say goodbye to the Marseille crowd. He and doubles partner Nicolas Mahut will be back on court on Saturday in an attempt to claim a spot in the doubles final.