08.02.2013.
Melzer and Haase to clash in the semifinals
Austrian Jurgen Melzer and Dutchman Robin Haase first reached semifinals at the PBZ Zagreb Indoors. Melzer won in straight sets by 6:4, 6:4 against Lukas Rosol from Czech Republic and was then followed by Haase, who defeated German qualifier Philipp Petzschner by 6:4, 3:6, 6:0.
This was 300th singles career victory for Melzer, who at the same time reached the semifinals in Dom sportova hall for the second time: two years ago he lost in the semis to evetual champion Marin Cilic.
Fourth-seeded Austrian started the match in great fashion, winning first four games. But even the 5:1 lead was not enough to close out the set easy – Rosol was two points away from levelling to 5:5.
Rosol kept the serve in the second set, led 4:3, but then lost three games in a row. Austrian, who is 31 years old and now the oldest remaining player in the main draw, lost only three points on serve during the second set.
Haase had to play three-setter for the third time this week, but was succesfull again. After reaching quarterfinals in both previous attempts here were Dutchman has now advanced into the round of last four for the first time. It will be his first semifinal since winning Kitzbuhel in July last year.
Petzschner played on high level in the second set, but had no answer in the deciding set, especially facing important points. During the third set German had no game point on his serve.
It will be the fourth clash between Melzer and Haase with Austrian leading 3-0 after winning all matches in three sets.
This was 300th singles career victory for Melzer, who at the same time reached the semifinals in Dom sportova hall for the second time: two years ago he lost in the semis to evetual champion Marin Cilic.
Fourth-seeded Austrian started the match in great fashion, winning first four games. But even the 5:1 lead was not enough to close out the set easy – Rosol was two points away from levelling to 5:5.
Rosol kept the serve in the second set, led 4:3, but then lost three games in a row. Austrian, who is 31 years old and now the oldest remaining player in the main draw, lost only three points on serve during the second set.
Haase had to play three-setter for the third time this week, but was succesfull again. After reaching quarterfinals in both previous attempts here were Dutchman has now advanced into the round of last four for the first time. It will be his first semifinal since winning Kitzbuhel in July last year.
Petzschner played on high level in the second set, but had no answer in the deciding set, especially facing important points. During the third set German had no game point on his serve.
It will be the fourth clash between Melzer and Haase with Austrian leading 3-0 after winning all matches in three sets.