Garin Ties A Personal Best In Rio de Janeiro

Chilean Cristian Garin tied his personal-best winning streak on Friday, earning his seventh consecutive triumph with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory against Argentine qualifier Federico Coria to reach the semi-finals of the Rio Open presented by Claro.

"It was a very tough fight. Federico is a player who is improving a lot," Garin said. "I'm very happy to be in the semi-finals. Tough conditions, but I won, so I want to be ready for tomorrow."

Since last April, the third seed has won his first three ATP Tour titles — all on clay — and he is now two wins from lifting tour-level trophy No. 4. Garin, who was victorious in Cordoba earlier this month, has rallied from a set down in five of his past six matches. Against Coria, he battled through the rain to overcome the inspired World No. 116 in two hours and 15 minutes.

Garin appeared in control when he served for the semi-finals at 5-4 in the deciding set. But Coria, the younger brother of former World No. 3 Guillermo Coria, did not hand the Chilean the win. Garin was unable to land a knockout blow, allowing the Argentine back on serve.

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But Garin broke back immediately, crushing an inside-out forehand winner to earn another chance to serve for the match. And this time, he did not let slip his chance, raising his arms in celebration after Coria missed a forehand return long.

Garin, who won 76 per cent of his first-serve points, will next play fifth seed Borna Coric or Italian Lorenzo Sonego.