Gulbis Shocks del Potro in Rotterdam
Defending champ Juan Martin del Potro was defeated Friday by Ernests Gulbis at the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament, a 6-3, 6-4 win that sent the top-seeded del Potro home packing and Gulbis into the semis at Rotterdam in The Netherlands.
“It’s nice to beat the defending champion, but I don’t care who won the tournament last year or 10 years ago,” said Gulbis after the match. “The most important thing is that I got to the semis.”
Del Potro’s left wrist was an issue as he sought medical treatment after dropping the first set. Gulbis hit 12 aces and 35 winners by del Potro in the 82 minute match.
“My ambition this year is to reach the Top 10 of the Emirates ATP Rankings,” said Gulbis. “It is a big goal. I did well in the ATP World Tour 250s, winning two titles, but I need to do better in the Masters 1000s and go deeper in the Grand Slams.”
Gulbis advances to face Tomas Berdych in the seims after Berdych’s 6-7(9), 6-2, 6-4 win over Jerzy Janowicz, 6-7(9), 6-2, 6-4.
“It was a tough match, especially from the beginning when I did not feel comfortable on the court,” said Berdych. “Jerzy plays aggressive and really fast, taking some of the control of the game from me. I didn’t feel that good on the court, but I found my rhythm and hit the ball cleanly after the first set.”
Berdych will be making his second semifinal appearance in Rotterdam in eight appearances.
