Sinner, Schwartzman through to Antwerp last four

Jannik Sinner and Diego Schwartzman eased their way into the semifinals at Antwerp on Friday with comfortable wins over Americans Arthur Rinderknech 6-4, 6-2 and Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 6-2.

“I think I was very solid today,” Sinner said after the win.

“I played against him in Lyon and he is a very great player and he wants to hit the ball hard. I tried to stay solid and play deep, so I am very happy with the performance today.”

Sinner will now meet South African Lloyd Harris, who beat upended Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 7-5.

Of his next opponent, Sinner said: “He has had a great season and he is once again trying to find a way through. He serves well, he moves well. Today he played a wonderful match, so it is going to be very exciting.”

Schwartzman, who had a relative easy path over Nakashima, will face another American next, Jenson Brooksby, who beat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-5, 6-0.

“It has been a good year. After not getting to play last year, I think I have made a lot of big strides this year,” Brooksby said.

“I am proud of the progress I have made mentally, physically and all around.”