In-form Sam Querrey continued his excellent form with a win over young compatriot Taylor Fritz 2-6, 6-4, 6-4. He was joined in the semi-finals by Dominic Thiem, who ousted Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 6-2.
Despite Querrey’s form, it was Taylor Fritz who made the better start, breaking Querrey twice by winning ten points against the 6’6 man’s serve. the eighteen year-old faced no break points, spreading out the loss of six points .
The second set was a very tight affair, as Querrey improved his serve, making 80% first serves, and winning 80% of points on both first and second serve. Fritz matched him on first serve, but proved susceptible on second, and that was enough for Querrey to earn the solitary break of the second.
Querrey eanred eight aces in the third as his serving found a new rhythm. Fritz again posted good numbers, but gave Querrey just enough chances to produce a break. The more experienced man finally prevailed for a place in the semi-finals.
His opponent will be another man in terrific form in the shape of Dominic Thiem, who defeated Grigor Dimitrov 7-5, 6-2. An erratic Dimitrov struggled throughout, broken four times in the match and rarely holding serve with any authority. Thiem did offer a break in each set but the Austrian spread his four breaks, two in each set, to win.
The top section of the draw saw the resurgent Alexandr Dolgopolov reach the semi-finals with a comfortable win over Robin Haase of the Netherlands 6-3, 6-3. The Ukrainian broke four times for a win in one hour and four minutes.
Dolgopolov will face Bernard Tomic, who edged Illya Marchenko in straight sets 7-5, 7-5. The match featured eight breaks of serve, five for Tomic and three for Marchenko, with the Australian enjoying five to defeat the world no.85.
Thiem vs Querrey: If this match had taken place three weeks ago, most would have backed Thiem. He might still be considered the favourite, but I’m going to predict an upset here. Querrey in straight sets.
Dolgopolov vs Tomic: Almost impossible to call with questions still lingering over both men. Dolgopolov beat an out-of-form Steve Johnson, and an exhausted David Ferrer before Haase. How much of that was down to Dolgopolov’s form rather than his opponents? Tomic’s win over Marchenko was unconvincing given that he dropped serve three times. Winner: Dolgopolov in three sets.
