Fourth seeded Belgian Olivier Rochus reached the semi-finals for a second straight year at the Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships with a 6-1 6-3 victory over Raven Klaasen of South Africa.

“I like to play on grass, even if it’s not that easy,” said Rochus.

“I played good at Wimbledon, even if I lost first round against Djokovic, it was five sets and it was really a great match so I know I can play good on grass. Two semi-finals in a row . I like it. I wish there were more tournaments on grass.”

He next faces Brian Dabul of Argentina, who ousted Dustin Brown of Jamaica 6-4 6-4.

Dabul,who became the first Argentine to reach the semis or better in Newport since Javier Frana advanced to the final in 1993 ,said “I’m really very happy. I’m having a great week here in Newport"

He added "I’m playing very good. I’m playing very tidy, very in order, not making many mistakes. I think that’s the best thing I’m doing this week, playing the whole match, every point, like the first point.”