Russia’s Mikhail Youzhny reached the semifinals of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle on Friday after beating Radek Stepanek of Czech Republic in an intense three-set duel.
After taking the first set, world No. 31 Youzhny lost the second failing to win any of his nine break points and snatched a narrow victory in the decider 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
Youzhny’s opponent in the semifinal will be either world No. 3 Roger Federer or fifth seed Milos Raonic of Canada who are to play later Friday.
Reigning Halle champion Philipp Kohlschreiber eliminated seven-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal in straight sets 6-3, 6-4.
Kohlschreiber's semifinal opponent will be either world No. 7 Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic or German veteran Tommy Haas.
The Halle tournament is considered an important warm-up grass-court event for Wimbledon, which starts June 25.
The Gerry Weber Open ends June 17 and has a prize fund of €663,750.
