Portuguese men’s tennis No1 Rui Machado did well to reach the semi-finals of the Rio Preto Challenger in Brazil last week.
The Algarvean saw off one-time world No77 Wayne Odesnik from the US 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 before overcoming Argentine Martin Alund 3-6, 7-6, 6-2.
A place in the final was denied him by another rapidly improving player from Argentina, Eduardo Schwank, who has been invited to represent his country at the forthcoming Davis Cup final in Spain.
Schwank, who disposed of Portugal’s Frederico Gil in the second round, won through 6-3, 6-4. Gil, however, went on to claim the doubles title with partner Jaroslav Pospisil 6-4, 6-4 from Franco Ferreiro and Ramirez Hidalgo.
Elsewhere Portuguese women’s No1 Michelle Brito won an ITF tournament in Porto Rico as Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova returned to form in dominating the season-ending WTA Masters in Istanbul.
The 21-year-old Czech remained unbeaten in all her matches before beating Victoria Azarenka 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
