Winston-Salem Open: Botic van de Zandschulp beats Benjamin Bonzi to reach the semifinals

No. 2 seed Botic van de Zandschulp entered the hardcourt even in North Carolina with a career-high ranking of World No. 23. He is now close to breaking into Top-20 following his victory against Benjamin Bonzi.

Botic Van de Zandschulp roared back from 1/4 down to clinch the first set tiebreak. The second set also went into a tiebreak. 

The 26-year-old Dutchman saved two break points to hold off at 2-3. He dominated his French opponent with his varied attacks. He clinched five consecutive points in the second set tiebreak before finishing the match with an unreturned serve.

Botic van de Zandschulp served 15 aces, won 81% of the points on the first serve, and broke the serve of his French opponent one time from four opportunities.

In contrast, Benjamin Bonzi served three aces, won 69% of the points on the first serve, and committed two double faults.

After the victory, Botic van de Zandschulp said, "It's every time a first time, and it's also my first time here in Winston-Salem and for now, I'm still loving it."

He added, "I played an unbelievable breaker. I think we both served great today. We both played a very good match. We played at a high level. I'm really happy with the win."

Botic van de Zandschulp will cross swords with another Frenchman, Adrian Mannarino, in a semifinal clash on August 27.

Adrian Mannarino advanced to the semifinal after securing a straight-set victory against No. 4 seed Maxime Cressy of the United States.

Adrian Mannarino broke the serve of his American opponent in the opening games of both sets. The 34-year-old Frenchman dropped his serve at 3-3 in the second set but fought back to secure his victory after one hour and 32 minutes of play.

He has now defeated three-seeded players en route to his run to the semifinal at Winston Salem Open, including No. 8 seed Albert Ramos-Vinolas and No. 9 seed Emil Ruusuvuori.