Portuguese men’s tennis No1 and world No84 Rui Machado looked to be in unbeatable form during the early rounds of the ATP Challenger in Trani, Italy.
The 27-year-old Algarvean made short work of Chilean Jorge Aguilar and Belgium’s Yannick Mertens before dispatching Austrian Matin Fischer 6-0, 6-3 in only 71 minutes to reach the last four.
However, talented Argentine semi-final opponent Leonardo Mayer proved a size too big and Machado was beaten 6-4, 6-0.
The 29 ATP points gained should see him rise a further three positions in next week’s rankings, ensuring that he begins in San Marino on Monday as one of the favourites.
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