David Ferrer through to Erste Bank Open semi-finals

Top seed David Ferrer beat Fabio Fognini in straight sets to progress to the semi-finals of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna on Friday.

The Spaniard came from behind in the opening exchanges, breaking back at 3-3 before going on to win the opening set 6-4.

Ferrer had won the previous eight meetings and Fognini's chances were not aided by a medical timeout for an ankle complaint after Ferrer secured an early break in the second set to lead 3-0.

Targeting a fifth title in 2015, Ferrer made light of the remainder of the contest; Fognini double faulting on match point as Ferrer progressed 6-4 6-2.

Elsewhere, second seed Kevin Anderson was knocked out by Steve Johnson following a 5-7 7-6(5) 6-4 defeat.

Anderson found a crucial break point - the only one converted in the first set - to take the lead.

Johnson saved four break points in the second set, and a tie break was needed - Johnson taking it 7-5 before securing an early break to go 3-2 up in the third set.

There was a halt in play as Anderson received medical treatment, but from that point on Johnson took control, progressing in two hours 37 minutes.

The seeds kept tumbling in Vienna, as Ernests Gulbis beat seventh seed Ivo Karlovic 7-6(4) 7-6(5) to reach his first semi-final of the season.

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Gulbis, who was on a five-match losing streak coming into this tournament, beat third-seed John Isner on Wednesday and added another notable scalp to his list.

Gulbis and Johnson now meet in the semi-finals.

Watch the semi-finals of the Erste Bank Open on Sky Sports 3 from 1pm on Saturday.

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