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The Spaniard made it into Top 100 for the first time at the age of 33

Volandri had 28 break points in the last two matches, while allowing only one in the Caruso match. Munoz, on the other hand, was 3-1 down in the third set but managed to beat Gaio in third set tie break for the second straight match. He is now looking to reach the fourth final of the season, while Volandri wants his second one

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Munoz came to Manerbio to make it into Top 100. He knew that he had to reach semifinals to do so but didn't allow that to became an obsession. He said that there is always the next week but most likely knew that the win over Gaio would see them become a Top 100 player for the first time in his long and injury-hit carrier. It was close, with the match being decided by a nerve-wrecking finish. Munoz managed to reach his goal and is currently No. 96.

He opened the match brilliantly, converting his first break point. It took him another 6 break points for another break. Gaio didn't win a single service game in the first set but started getting better as the match advanced. He has 10 challenger wins this season but lost both matches to Munoz, who was the top seed here. It seems like Gaio was headed for a win this time after sailing through the second set and 3-1 in the third one. Munoz made a comeback, saved two break points for 5-4 and then had some match points in the tie break. He used the second one. The Italian ended up with 5 points more, 10 aces more and better second serve efficiency. But, he didn't used his chances when he should have.

Volandri this time gave a lesson in tennis to one of his countrymen. He used to be the top Italian player but that winning mentality kind of disappeared the past few seasons. He's been losing more and more to other Italians and now each player believes that he stands a chance against Volandri. Caruso reached his fourth challenger QFs this season but there is clearly some problem in his head since he didn't take the next step here either. He didn't get even close to taking it. 

Creating chances on return is the greatest problem for Volandri. If he manages to win his service games, he usually wins matches at this level. This match was no different. He had 15 break points in the second round, and 13 in the last match. Caruso used the only one he was given but he lost his serve a total of 5 times. After the opening 3-3 in the second set, Volandri won three straight games to advance into the semis.

Munoz and Volandri are both veterans but interestingly met only three times, never in the last 3 years. The Italian won the last match easily (also at Italian challenger). The Spaniard is top seed here. He is looking to reach his 4th challenger final, having won two titles so far. Volandri has 27 finals in his carrier but only one this season.