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Diego Schwartzman erased an early 0-3 deficit in the first set against Karen Khachanov and ultimately claimed their quarterfinal match, 7-6 (6), 6-2, in Vienna on Friday.

Both players began the week as long-shot contenders in the Race to London, needing a deep run to make up substantial ground. Schwartzman. the 14th position holder, trails Matteo Berrettini by 665 points. Berrettini, who advanced to the last four in Vienna with a 7-5, 7-6 (4) victory over Andrey Rublev, currently occupies the last spot for London.

Diego Schwartzman to take on Gael Monfils in Vienna semifinals

Diego Schwartzman to take on Gael Monfils in Vienna semifinals

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Schwartzman will look to continue gaining momentum when he takes on Gael Monfils. The Frenchman, ranked No. 10 in the race, eliminated Aljaz Bedene, 7-5, 6-1. Monfils leads Schwartzman 2-1 in their head-to-head series, which includes an indoor hard-court win at Antwerp last year.

This is a significant week for hopefuls seeking the last two ATP Finals berths, as results will determine qualification scenarios at the final regular season event, the Rolex Paris Masters. If Berrettini should lose his semifinal to home favorite Dominic Thiem and Monfils goes on to claim the trophy, he would leapfrog the Italian by 10 points heading into Paris. Khachanov is the reigning champion at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament.

Diego Schwartzman to take on Gael Monfils in Vienna semifinals

Diego Schwartzman to take on Gael Monfils in Vienna semifinals