Although many expected Italy’s Fabio Fognini to continue is momentum following a straight sets win against Rafael Nadal — his second of the season – instead we are offered an all-Spanish final four berth between David Ferrer and Pablo Andujar. This will marks the fourth time that the two competitors cross paths on the professional tour, with Ferrer leading the series 3-0. This is also their fourth encounter on clay.

Seeded third at this year’s tournament, David Ferrer secured his spot in the semi-final stage in Barcelona with a straight sets win against Philipp Kohlschreiber. It was a straightforward match, one that Ferrer harnessed the support of his fellow countrymen in the stands to close out the match 6-3, 7-6(5). He won 69% of his total service points, saved five break points, and converted five of his own to win the match in a total of one hour and 44 minutes. The win extended his head-to-head record against Kohlschreiber to 11-2 with nine consecutive wins dating back over eight years.

“Now I am in the semi-final, and I’m very happy for that,” said Ferrer.

The Spaniard will come up against Pablo Andujar in his final obstacle en route to the tournament final. Andujar defeated Fabio Fognini, the player who toppled clay court king Rafael Nadal for a second time this season on clay, in straight sets to secure his spot in the semi-final round in Barcelona. He won 73% of his first service points and converted five break points en route to the 6-1, 6-3 win in one hour and five minutes.

This marks the fourth time that these two competitors will cross paths on the professional tour. Ferrer leads the head-to-head series 3-0, all wins on clay. He should have little trouble notching another win in the rivalry on their consistent surface to secure a spot in his fifth Barcelona Open final.