Ferrer into second semi-final of 2013

Three-time champion David Ferrer has won through to the semi-final of the Heineken Open in Auckland after defeating Lukas Lacko 6-2 6-1.

Ferrer won 77% of points on his first serve and saved the only break point he faced.

“I am pleased with my game today, I played better than yesterday," said Ferrer. I have a good feeling with my game, I received better and I did not make so many mistakes", he told ATP.

Ferrer's appearance in Friday's semi-final marks his second final four berth in as many weeks. The right-hander lost to Nikolay Davydenko at last week's Qatar Exxon Mobil Open in Doha.

Ferrer will meets either wild card Gael Monfils in the semi-finals. "All semi-finals are complicated," said Ferrer. "Last year I played a complicated player and tomorrow it will be difficult again.”

Wild card Monfils beat fourth-seeded German Tommy Haas, who was named the ATP Comeback Player of the Year, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours.