Davydenko steps into last four

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:26

Davydenko recovered from a set down to beat ninth seed Radek Stepanek 6-7 6-2 6-2 and set up a daunting clash with the world number one.

Stepanek hit seven aces and saved 11 of 16 break points but it was Davydenko who was more consistent, winning 67% of service points and converting four of his five break points.

“I’m not thinking about tomorrow yet,” Davydenko told www.ATPTour.com after Friday’s victory.

“I haven’t played that many matches this year yet so I want to enjoy this moment. I’m starting to find my game and I know I can play better.”

The third seed returned to competitive tennis last week in Monte Carlo, where he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Britain’s Andy Murray, after a two-month lay-off due to a heel injury.

Nadal received a walkover into the last four when David Nalbandian was forced to withdraw before their quarter-final with a hip injury.

The other semi-final will be between David Ferrer and Fernando Gonzalez after Ferrer won an all-Spanish clash with Tommy Robredo and Gonzalez beat another Spaniard, Fernando Verdasco.

Fourth seed Ferrer won 6-3 6-4 while fifth seed Gonzalez was made to work harder to see off second seed Verdasco, winning 6-3 4-6 6-4 in two hours and 17 minutes.

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