NOTTINGHAM, England — Defending champion Ivo Karlovic defeated Gael Monfils of France 7-6 (4), 7-6 (4) Friday to advance to the final of the Nottingham Open.

Each player lost their serve twice at the Wimbledon warmup tournament. Fourth-seeded Karlovic served 11 aces, and the eighth-seeded Monfils had none.

The Croat will face the winner of Friday's other semifinal match between third-seeded Fernando Verdasco of Spain and Marin Cilic of Croatia.