Today’s Men’s News (09/29) – Bangkok & Kuala Lumpur

Written by: Staff on 29th September 2012

Today's Men's News (09/29) - Bangkok & Kuala Lumpur

epa03414483 Janko Tipsarevic of Serbia returns the ball to Gilles Simon of France during their semi final match at the Thailand Open tennis tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, 29 September 2012. EPA/PONGMANAT TASIRI |

Bangkok

Singles – Semifinal: (4) G Simon def. (1) J Tipsarevic 6-4 6-4

It was about this time last year that Janko Tipsarevic suddenly turned into a true top player. It hasn’t proved a particularly happy anniversary. Tipsarevic fails to defend his title, and although he should keep the #9 ranking, this makes it a bit harder for him to move up or to earn the last Istanbul spot. Gilles Simon so far has moved only very slightly — from #19 to #18 — but he’ll be #16 if he wins the title.

Singles – Semifinal: (2) R Gasquet def. (7) J Nieminen 3-6 7-5 6-2

It’s probably going to be a very nervous final. Indeed, it was a rather nervous semifinal; Richard Gasquet shouldn’t have had that much trouble with Jarkko Nieminen. Gasquet will be #14 no matter what happens in the final; it appears Nieminen will be #35.

Doubles – Semifinal: (WC) Lu/Udomchoke def. (WC) Ratiwatana/Ratiwatana 6-7(3-7) 7-6(7-5) 10-7 (Match TB)

Whew! The Thais get a player in the doubles final, but he will be very tired….

Kuala Lumpur

Singles – Semifinal: (7) J Benneteau def. (1) D Ferrer 6-4 6-1

This is thoroughly astounding — but it may not be bad news for David Ferrer. He wasn’t going to earn any points here; he doesn’t have the open slots. This gives him a little more rest for the tournaments that count. We show Julien Benneteau rising to #32; a title would make him #29.

Singles – Semifinal: (2) J Monaco def. (3) K Nishikori 6-2 2-6 7-6(7-4)

Juan Monaco had to save a match point here, but save it he did, strengthening his grip on his Top Ten spot. Kei Nishikori will be #16 or #17, depending on how Gilles Simon does at Bangkok.

Doubles – Semifinal: (3) Peya/Soares def. (2) Bracciali/Melo 7-6(8-6) 6-1