Ljubicic cruises through
03/18/2010 11:36:14 PM
Croatian Ivan Ljubicic faced only one break point in three sets as he completed a trademark big-serving win over Juan Monaco to reach the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, California.
The Argentinean, seeded 21st, made a bright start and, despite winning just eight points on the Ljubicic serve in the first set, managed to string enough together to earn a break of serve and take the set 6-4.
But Ljubicic came back in style, winning 16 of 19 service points in the second set to prevail 6-2 and level the match.
And the 20th seed was just as dominant in the third, breaking twice more to complete a 4-6 6-2 6-1 triumph in one hour and 47 minutes.
He will face the winner of the night clash between third seed Rafael Nadal and Czech Tomas Berdych, seeded 19th.