Rotterdam: Soderling, Kolya, Nole and Youzh Into Semis

Semi-finals are set in Rotterdam and it’s a very decent lineup. Nole has somehow sneaked his way in there despite only playing one match after getting a walkover from Florian Mayer. He’ll face Mikhail Youzhny, who won a highly entertaining against Gael Monfils. The commentators were intent on casting it as Russian meticulousness and tenacity against French flair, which does something of a disservice to both their games, but in the end Youzhny was that little bit more focussed in the end.

In the other half of the draw, Nikolay Davydenko and Robin Soderling both progressed in straight sets. Kolya calmly saw off Jurgen Melzer, 63 62.

Talk to the hand.

I would like to pinch your cheeks, Kolya. Take that as you will.

Robin Soderling, however, put in the most dominant performance of the day, utterly dismissing Julien Benneteau 60 61.

A return to form for the Sod?

Full Results

Singles – Quarter-finals
[1] N Djokovic (SRB) d F Mayer (GER) w/o (left leg)
[2] N Davydenko (RUS) d J Melzer (AUT) 63 62
[3] [WC] R Soderling (SWE) d J Benneteau (FRA) 60 61
[6] M Youzhny (RUS) d [4] G Monfils (FRA) 57 62 63

Doubles – Quarter-finals
M Llodra (FRA) / A Ram (ISR) vs [2] F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK)

Order of Play

Centre Court (matches start at 2 p.m.)
1. Robin Soderling v Nikolay Davydenko
2. Daniel Nestor / Nenad Zimonjic v Julian Knowle / Robert Lindstdt
3. Novak Djokovic v Mikhail Youzhny (not before 7.30  p.m.)
4. Simon Aspelin / Paul Hanley v Michael Llodra / Andy Ram