Top-seeded and defending champion David Ferrer cruised into the semifinals at the clay-court Copa Claro tennis event.

The world No. 4 Spanish star whipped sixth-seeded Italian Fabio Fognini 6-2, 6-1 in 75 minutes at Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.

Ferrer, who led the ATP with seven titles last year, beat 2011 champion Nicolas Almagro in last year's all-Spanish final in this Argentine capital and was the Buenos Aires runner-up in 2010.

The gritty Ferrer's final-four opponent will be fellow Spaniard, former Buenos Aires champ and one-time world No. 5 Tommy Robredo, who pasted German qualifier Julian Reister 6-3, 6-2 on Friday.

This week's champ will pocket $84,550.