Andy Stays On Course At Stella Artois

Andy battled through another tough match today to advance to the Stella Artois semi-finals. He was taking on Sebastien Grosjean whom he has beaten in the last two Stella Artois Finals.

Andy had said yesterday that Grosjean is a very accomplished grass court player and the Frenchman certainly made it very difficult for Andy today.

In much colder and windier conditions than the previous two days, the 1st set went with serve until at 5-4 Andy got the crucial break, two double faults by Grosjean at deuce gifted Andy the 1st set at 6-4.

Andy had to fight hard in the 2nd set as he went an early break down. But a superb backhand pass down the line, a shot which won him a lot of points today, saw Andy back on level terms. Eventually the set had to be decided on a tie-break. Another outstanding backhand pass secured the mini-break for Andy and his rocket of a second serve on match point won him the match 6-4, 7-6(5).

After the match Andy said, “It feels good,” it had been “a tough draw” and he is “excited to be through.” He said he hit the ball a lot better in the 2nd set but that the “wind made things a little bit more difficult.”

In the semis, Andy will play Radek Stepanek (CZE), a serve and volley player that he has never played. Andy said, “He hits flat and attacks behind big serves. I expect a tough match.” The match is scheduled on Centre Court at 1:30 pm (BST), 8:30 am (EST).

Go Andy!

Here are some stats on Radek Stepanek:

Birthdate: 11/27/1978
Birthplace: Karvina
Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco
Height: 6′1′’ (185 cm)
Weight: 167 lbs (75 kg)
Plays: Right-handed
Turned Pro: 1996
Previous Year’s Final INDESIT ATP Race Position: 37
Current INDESIT ATP Race Position: 15

Stella Artois Information and Links

Full Draw http://www.stellaartoistennis.com/posting/2005/311/MDS.pdf
Order of Play http://www.stellaartoistennis.com/orderofplay.asp
Updated Scores (matches in progress): http://www.atptennis.com/en/newsandscores/scores/

Television coverage on The Tennis Channel

Saturday, 8:20am 2pm/8pm (encore) Semifinals
Sunday, 9am Finals 8pm (encore)
Sunday, 2pm midnight (encore) Becker v. McEnroe