Federer inches closer to top spot after strolling into Stuttgart semis

STUTTGART: Roger Federer was one win away from reclaiming the world number one ranking after he reached the semi-finals of the Stuttgart Open with a 6-4 6-4 win over Argentina’s Guido Pella on Friday.

Federer skipped the European claycourt season to concentrate on retaining his Wimbledon title next month and his plan appears to be working as the 36-year-old was in fine form on Friday.

The Swiss will also topple Rafael Nadal from the top spot if he reaches Sunday’s final.

Federer was largely untroubled by Pella and lost just one point on serve en route to winning the opening set.

He continued his momentum to clinch the victory in 65 minutes. Federer faces the winner of the match between fourth-seed Nick Kyrgios and Feliciano Lopez in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, Canadian Milos Raonic battled to a 7-6(2) 7-6(1) victory against third seed Tomas Berdych, of Czech Republic, to set up a last-four match against defending champion Lucas Pouille after the Frenchman ousted Denis Istomin 6-4 6-7(5) 6-3.

YUKI SURPRISED AT TOPS EXCLUSION

NEW DELHI: Yuki Bhambri is surprised at being excluded from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) after preferring the US Open over Asian Games even as a red-faced All India Tennis Association (AITA) said it is trying to convince the Sports Ministry to reconsider its decision.

AITA had exempted the country’s top singles player considering that playing at the Grand Slams is crucial to secure ranking points, which would earn the Delhi player a direct entry into the Tokyo Olympics to be held in 2020.