HOUSTON, April 12 (UPI) -- Top seed Nicolas Almagro reached the semifinals at the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship Friday with a decisive win over seventh-seeded Paolo Lorenzi.
Almagro, of Spain, fired nine aces in defeating the Italian 6-4, 6-4 and will meet American wild card Rhyne Williams Saturday.
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Williams topped Spaniard Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo 7-6 (7-1), 1-6, 6-4 to advance to his first-ever ATP semifinals.
Fifth-seeded American John Isner reached the semis with a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 win over Ricardas Berankis. He will take on No. 3 seed and defending champion Juan Monaco, who blitzed qualifier Robby Ginepri 6-1, 6-0.
