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