Defending champion Denis Shapovalov advances to Los Cabos Open semifinal

Denis Shapovalov is one step closer to defending his Los Cabos Open crown.

Shapovalov beat Czechia’s Dalibor Svrcina 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday in the quarterfinal of the ATP Tour event.

The 27-year-old Shapovalov is 68th in the tour’s standings but is the Los Cabos’ eighth seed.

Shapovalov defeated Aleksandar Kovacevic of the United States 6-4, 6-2 to win last year’s tournament.

Shapovalov will face Britain’s Cameron Norrie in a semifinal late Friday.

The tournament final is scheduled for Saturday.