Singles – Semifinal: (1) N Almagro (WC) def. (8) A Ramos 6-4 7-6(7-4)
No one beats Nicolas Almagro at these little Latin American clay events. At least, lately he’s won as many titles as he’s suffered losses. Problem is, they’re 250 pointers, so they don’t do him any good. He will be #11 no matter what happens here.
Singles – Semifinal: F Volandri def. (4) T Bellucci 5-7 6-0 6-2
This felt like it was coming. Thomaz Bellucci had simply been wasting too much time and energy in his early matches. Still, it’s rather shocking to see Filippo Volandri be the one to make the final. He hasn’t been in a final since 2006, when he won Palermo and also had finals at Bucharest and Buenos Aires. Talk about a long wait!
Doubles – Semifinal: (1) Butorac/Soares def. (3) Cabal/Farah 4-6 7-6(7-5) 10-2 (Match TB)
The Brazilians lost their only singles player in the semifinal, but at least they’ll have someone to cheer in the doubles.
Doubles – Semifinal: (4) Mertinak/Sa def. (2) Bracialli/Starace 6-3 6-4
Two Brazilians, even. Wonder how they’ll decide whom to applaud.
© “DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”