Larsson, Friedsam have straight-set wins to reach Linz semis

LINZ, Austria (AP) Johanna Larsson of Sweden defeated Madison Brengle 7-5, 7-6 (6) at the Generali Ladies on Friday, setting up a semifinal against Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany.

The 59th-ranked Larsson rallied from 5-2 down to take the opening set against her American opponent and saved a set point at 5-4 in the second.

It will be Larsson's third semifinal of the season and the first since winning her maiden WTA title in Bastad, Sweden, in July.

Friedsam beat Margarita Gaparyan of Russia 6-3, 6-4 to advance to her first semifinal in 11 months.

The 118th-ranked German, who also reached the semifinals here last year, lost serve at 5-2 in the second set on the only break point she faced. She closed out the win in her next service game.