By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday October 22, 2021

Karen Khachanov and Aslan Karatsev set an all-Russian clash at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow on Friday.



Khachanov, the 2018 champion defeated John Millman 7-5, 7-6(4) in two hours and 26 minutes, while Karatsev kept his hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin alive by topping Gilles Simon 6-4, 6-3.

Karatsev, who reached his first career semifinal at Moscow, is currently in 13th in the Race to Turin, 835 points behind No.9 Hubert Hurkacz, who is in the last qualifying spot.

Whether he makes it or not, 28-year-old Karatsev has had an amazing season that featured a run to the Australian Open semifinals from qualifying as well as a title at Dubai and a runner-up performance at Belgrade that featured a victory over World No.1 Novak Djokovic.

The other semifinal will feature two-time champion Marin Cilic, who defeated Pedro Martinez, 6-1, 6-2, and Ricardas Berankis, who knocked off France’s Adrian Mannarino, 6-2, 7-6(1).

Cilic, currently 41 in the rankings, improved to 14-2 lifetime at Moscow with his win.