PARIS, France (Reuters) — Argentine David Nalbandian reached the French Open semifinals by beating three-times champion Gustavo Kuerten 6-2 3-6 6-4 7-6 on Wednesday.
The 2002 Wimbledon runner-up is the third Argentine to reach the last four in the men’s draw at Roland Garros this year — with Britain’s Tim Henman completing the quartet.
Nalbandian saved four set points in the fourth set before winning the tiebreak 8-6 and faces unseeded Gaston Gaudio for a place in the final. Henman takes on Guillermo Coria.
Nalbandian, appearing in his first quarterfinal at the French Open, began well, taking the first set in 40 minutes before Brazilian Kuerten hit back to level the match after 78 minutes.
Eighth seed Nalbandian regained control in the third came from 5-2 down in the tiebreak to clinch victory in just over three hours.
The 27-year-old Kuerten is still trying to recapture the form which took him to the 1997, 2001 and 2002 French titles before a hip operation threatened to send his career into freefall.
“If I did not have the problems with the hip then I would be able to play at the same level as the others,” said Kuerten who beat world No. 1 and top seed, Roger Federer on his way to the last eight.
“I felt like I had more chances today but I am struggling a lot in one part of my body. It’s not a problem of age. Today was tough but still a great pleasure to be out on the main court playing the quarter-finals.”
Truly unbelievable
Nalbandian said that having three Argentines in the last four was “truly unbelievable” and said of his semifinal: “”It’s always difficult to play against a compatriot, but my aim obviously is to get to the final.”
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