December 7 , 2007
Two-time reigning BlackRock Masters Tennis Champion Paul Haarhuis (pictured) produced a dazzling performance in London on Friday afternoon to overcome past champion John McEnroe 6-3, 6-2 and book his place in the semi-finals.
A packed crowd at the Royal Albert Hall watched as 48-year-old McEnroe got off to a feisty start in today’s quarterfinal encounter, angrily contesting a line call only minutes into the first set.
But despite a valiant effort, McEnroe was never able to get to grips with the Dutchman’s blistering returns of serve that neutralised his strongest weapon and the decisive break eventually came in the 7th game of the first set.
From then on, Haarhuis was unfaltering with his ground-strokes and broke twice in the second set to take an unassailable 5-1 lead before closing out the match 6-3, 6-2 in 84 minutes. Afterwards, McEnroe admitted Haarhuis was a deserving winner.
“I got beaten, fair and square,” said McEnroe.
“I played well but Paul played unbelievable tennis. He’s a much better player than people realise. I felt good out there and was hitting the ball well, and if there is one place that you want to play well it’s here at the Royal Albert Hall.”
McEnroe, whose next BlackRock Tour of Champions event will be in Belfast in February playing alongside old rival Bjorn Borg, is determined to return to play at the Royal Albert Hall next year.
“I think there’s enough in me to at least come back one more time. If I can get the balance right between rest in-between events, staying in shape and playing, I think I can still beat anyone out there. It’s definitely not getting any easier, but that’s the challenge.”
Paul Haarhuis will now take on the winner of this evening’s semi-final clash between Sergi Bruguera and Jeremy Bates for a place in his third consecutive BlackRock Masters Tennis final on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Cedric Pioline continued his 100% record at this week’s tournament beating BlackRock Masters Tennis newcomer Wayne Ferreira 6-3, 6-4 to win through to the semi-finals where he will face the winner of this evening’s match between Guy Forget and Greg Rusedski.
FORGET KNOCKS OUT RUSEDSKI IN THRILLER
Frenchman Guy Forget rolled back the years in London on Friday evening to overcome tournament debutante Greg Rusedski 2-6, 7-5, 13-11 (CTB) to win through to Saturday’s semi-finals.
Both players came out all guns blazing in a match dominated by two of the biggest serves on the BlackRock Tour of Champions. Rusedski was in control of the first set, breaking the Frenchman’s serve twice to win it 6-2. Forget turned the match around to force a Champion’s Tie-Break in which he had to save two match points before emerging the winner. Forget admitted the match could have gone either way.
“When you play someone who serves so well on such a fast surface in the end it’s just a matter of heads or tails, and I was lucky enough to win,” said Forget.
The Frenchman, who was the Champion here in 2003, enjoyed playing a match in front of such a large, animated British crowd.
“The crowd was wonderful and playing in a good atmosphere, whether you win or lose a match, that’s what the BlackRock Tour of Champions is all about. I’ve been coming here for many years and it’s always packed with people coming to watch. You have to admit it’s very special for all of us to play in this atmosphere here.”
Forget will now take on fellow Frenchman Cedric Pioline in the first of tomorrow’s semi finals.
“That’s really going to be a fun match,” he said. “Cedric is playing well and I’m going to give it my best and overall the atmosphere is so nice that just to be out here is very special.”
Reports by Catherine Whitaker
RESULTS – FRIDAY, 7th DECEMBER, 2007
Paul Haarhuis d. John McEnroe 6-3, 6-2
Cedric Pioline d. Wayne Ferreira 6-3, 6-4
Guy Forget d. Greg Rusedski 2-6, 7-5, 13-11 (Chanpion’s Tie Break)
Sergi Bruguera d. Jeremy Bates 6-3, 6-4
SCHEDULE (revised)
Saturday Afternoon Session
At 1pm
Doubles – Mansour Bahrami & Pat Cash vs. Anders Jarryd & Peter McNamara
Singles - Guy Forget vs. Cedric Pioline
Doubles – Henri Leconte & Chris Wilkinson vs. Wayne Ferreira & Mikael Pernfors
Saturday Evening Session
At 7.30pm
Singles - Sergi Bruguera v Paul Haarhuis
Doubles – Mansour Bahrami & Tom Gullikson vs. Peter McNamara & Peter Fleming
Doubles – Anders Jarryd & Mikael Pernfors vs. Jeremy Bates & Chris Wilkinson
* please note, the order of play is subject to change
