Mariano Navone defeated Botic van de Zandschulp 5–7, 7–6, 7–5 in the semi-final of the ATP 250 Bucharest tournament on clay on 4 April 2026. Navone, the pre-match favourite at 1.58 odds, secured the result as expected despite van de Zandschulp's competitive first-set performance. The match hinged on the second set, which Navone claimed on a tie-break after losing the opening frame, then consolidated his advantage with a decisive third-set victory. The Argentine's comeback from a set down underlines his resilience on clay and positions him favourably for the final.