Denis Shapovalov has set up a semi-final with Russian favourite Andrey Rublev at the St Petersburg Open, a meeting which prompted a jokey plea from the young Canadian.
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"Please take pity on me!" the 21-year-old Shapovalov, who has Russian heritage, told the crowd after he had defeated the ever-dangerous Stan Wawrinka 6-4 7-5 on Friday.
Rublev, the third-seeded Russian, eased into the last four with a comfortable 6-2 6-1 win over Britain's Cameron Norrie.
Big-serving American Reilly Opelka, who beat Russia's defending champion Daniil Medvedev on Thursday, was beaten by the seventh seed Borna Coric 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 in their quarter-final.
Croatian Coric next faces 2015 champion Milos Raonic, who overcame Russia's fourth seed Karen Khachanov 6-1 7-6 (7-1).
Australian Associated Press
