Alejandro Tabilo pulled off the biggest hard-court win of his career on Friday night in Washington, D. C.
The 29-year-old Chilean came from a set down to defeat second-seeded Ben Shelton 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 and advance to the DC Open semifinals.
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Facing the hometown favorite, Tabilo found his rhythm in the second set.
He produced a crucial tweener lob at 3-3 and saved four break points while serving at 4-4 before breaking Shelton to force a decider.
“It was a crazy battle,” Tabilo said. “Just so happy to have been able to get through it.”
In the final set, Tabilo kept the pressure on.
After exchanging early breaks, he secured the decisive break as Shelton served to stay in the match at 5-6, sealing the victory.
Next up for Tabilo is 19-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar, who reached his first career Top 20 debut by overcoming fourth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti 1-6, 6-1, 6-4.
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“I didn’t start very well with Lorenzo winning the first set 6-1,” Jodar said. “I had to reset mentally.
I think I did a great job, especially in the beginning of the second set.
I served very well, and it gave me the opportunity to win the second and third sets. Really happy with how I reset.”
In the other half of the draw, Taylor Fritz saved a match point and overcame a third-set knee issue to defeat Alex Michelsen 6-1, 3-6, 7-6(6).
Fritz will return to the top-ranked American spot next week.
“It was a nonfactor after that,” Fritz said about the knee problem that bothered him for four games.
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Fritz will meet Brandon Nakashima in the semifinals. Nakashima eliminated defending champion Alex de Minaur 7-6(5), 6-4 for his fourth career Top 10 win.
