Mikhail Youzhny stuns Radek Stepanek to reach the semis – Gerry Weber Open 2012
Russian star, Mikhail Youzhny, stunned the 33-year-old Czech, Radek Stepanek, in an epic three-setter lasting two hours and 28 minutes. He stole the win 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 and booked a spot in the semi-final of the Gerry Weber Open,
contested in Halle.
A terrific match-up was witnessed at the grass courts of Halle, Germany. The 31st ranked Russian started off the match in dismal fashion; losing the opening serve game but bounced back brilliantly to deceive his rival
and win a break back.
Scores were level at 3-3 and both players looked set to enter a tie-breaker round but the Russian launched an onslaught in the 10th game of the match; smashing three winners to seal the win in his favour.
Once again, the start to the second set was pathetic for the Russian who lost the opening serve game. This time he failed to fight back into the match. It was more like the Czech was much better in holding on to that lead. He played
a game of almost 15 minutes to hold serve. He was again tested in the eighth game but countered the outbreak with utmost class to hold serve.
Stage was set for a cracking final set battle. Both players started off well but Youzhny looked more threatening than his competitor. He was close in winning a breakthrough in the second game but failed to return the cross court
winner from Stepanek. Both players capitalized on their serves to push the scores before entering the final stages of the match. Youzhny passed the pressure situation with a thumping serve hold to love and switched the tension back on her rival. The 26th
ranked Czech failed to handle pressure despite mammoth experience under his belt. He lost a breakpoint in the 10th game and that proved to be the final action from the centre court of Halle.
Mikhail Youzhny will be up against the likes of the Swiss Maestro, Roger Federer, in the following round. He will look to test the likes of the second seed with his deceiving game style. Federer escaped scare against the 21st
ranked Canadian, Milos Raonic, in the quarter-final battle; sneaking a final set tie-breaker into his favour to reach the semi-final stage. He will look to capitalize on the lifeline provided to him and power down the 29-year-old Russian. It is supposed to
be another cracking encounter on the eve of Saturday.
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