The Bengaluru Tennis Open witnessed high-octane action on Friday as the tournament's top seed, Spain's Pedro Martínez, lived up to his billing with a commanding performance to secure his spot in the semifinals. The stage is now set for a gripping last-four encounter against an in-form sixth seed, Kazakhstan's Timofey Skatov, who caused a major upset earlier in the day.
Martínez Justifies Top Seeding
Pedro Martínez, the world number 78 and the highest-ranked player in the draw, displayed why he is the man to beat at the ATP Challenger event in Bengaluru. Facing a determined opponent, Martínez used his experience and powerful baseline game to control the match from the outset. While the scoreline reflected a straight-sets victory, the Spaniard was made to work hard for every point, showcasing his resilience and tactical acumen on the hard courts of the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA).
Skatov's Stunning Upset Over Mayot
The biggest story of the day, however, was scripted by Timofey Skatov. The Kazakh player, seeded sixth, delivered a masterclass to dismantle the challenge of the tournament's second seed, France's Harold Mayot. Skatov's aggressive play and precise shot-making left Mayot with few answers. He sealed a convincing victory with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3, booking his place in the semifinals and proving his credentials for the marquee clash against the top seed.
Semifinal Showdown: Martínez vs Skatov
This result sets up a fascinating semifinal clash between Pedro Martínez and Timofey Skatov. Martínez will rely on his consistency and top-level experience, while Skatov will be riding a wave of confidence after his dominant win over a higher-ranked opponent. The match promises to be a contrast in styles and a true test of nerve for both competitors as they vie for a spot in the final of the prestigious Bengaluru Open.
The tournament, which is a key part of the Indian tennis calendar, continues to draw significant attention from fans in the city and across the country. The remaining matches are scheduled for the weekend, with the final set to take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
