HEADLINES

Llodra joins Tsonga

21/02/2009

The second Open 13 semi-final between Gilles Simon and Michael Llodra can be considered as an upset. Llodra still as consistent on the serve disposed of Simon, number 8 in the world, 7-6 6-2, and will play his first final on French soil.

The first set of this match was the decisive one. Llodra saved a pair of break points in the 11th game and in the tie breaker the Parisian got the best of Simon with his repeated rushing to the net.

Dropping the first set was fatal for Simon. Llodra stuck to his game plan with non stop serve and volleying. On the other hand Simon was struggling with his first serve (45% only). Llodra captured a double break advantage and did not choke when he served for the match at 5-2.

After an hour and sixteen minutes of play, Llodra joins Tsonga for an all French final.