ATP Auckland: Daniel makes semi-finals, despite blowing lead

Taro Daniel beat French qualifier Alexandre Muller 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals of the Auckland Open at the ASB Tennis Arena on Wednesday night.

It was a match that should not have been nearly so complicated for Daniel, who at one stage led 6-4, 4-0 before losing the second set. However, the Japanese player was able to get the job done in the third set and book his spot in the final four in Auckland this weekend.

Daniel, ranked No 74, will play the winner of the match between American Ben Shelton, the top seed, and Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena next.

Earlier in the tournament, the Japanese won against Australian Aleksandar Vukic (7-5, 7-5) and Australian Max Purcell, the No 8 seed (6-2, 6-4).

Muller, ranked No 79, won against Benjamin Bonzi (6-3, 7-5) and Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, the No 3 seed (6-1, 6-1) in the previous rounds of the Auckland tournament.

Auckland ATP 250, other last eight results (ASB Tennis Arena, hard, USD 739.945, most recent results first):

• Arthur Fils vs. Daniel Altmaier
• Alejandro Tabilo vs. Cameron Norrie
• Ben Shelton vs. Roberto Carballes Baena