STUTTGART, Germany (AP) — Victor Hanescu of Romania advanced to the semifinals of the Mercedes Cup by beating fourth-seeded Benoit Paire of France 7-5, 6-2 on Friday.
It’s the first time Hanescu has made it into the last four of a tournament since Nice in 2001. He now has a 4-0 record against Paire, all on clay.
Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain also advanced to the semifinals when German opponent Michael Berrer retired with a left elbow injury. Agut was leading 6-2, 0-1 when Berrer quit.
