Australia\u2019s\u00a0Adam Walton is through to his first career ATP singles semifinal after\u00a0defeating\u00a0compatriot James Duckworth in Los Cabos.<\/p>\n
In a seesawing affair, where Duckworth seemed to\u00a0have assumed\u00a0control, Walton rallied late to claim proceedings 3-6 6-3 6-4.<\/p>\n
The Queenslander had his back against the wall in the deciding set\u00a0when he\u00a0quickly\u00a0fell behind 3-0. However, despite the humid conditions, Walton came home with a wet sail. He won five consecutive games\u00a0to ensure\u00a0a maiden ATP semifinal berth.<\/p>\n
Victory also bumped Walton\u2019s ATP\u00a0live\u00a0ranking up to world No.82,\u00a0which would surpass\u00a0his previous career high of world No.85 set in March 2025.<\/p>\n
MORE: Walton ascends to new best after Miami campaign<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI was actually a bit annoyed at myself,\u201d he said about trailing in the\u00a0deciding\u00a0set. \u201cI had chances at the start of the third [set] and I didn\u2019t capitalise and I got down 3-0 and I told myself, just keep believing.<\/p>\n \u201cAt 4-3, I was like, \u2018just keep doing what got you to 4-3\u2019. I\u2019m proud of the way that I served at 4-3. Then, obviously, serving it out is never easy, so I\u2019m glad to have served it out at 5-4.\u201d<\/p>\n Always a difficult proposition facing a fellow countryman, the win was bittersweet for Walton. He eliminated his doubles partner, Duckworth, from singles competition,\u00a0then was scheduled\u00a0to compete\u00a0with him\u00a0in doubles action, 90 minutes after their gruelling two-hour encounter.<\/p>\n