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Karlovic gave lesson to young Russian sensation

Although Khachanov entered the match well, Karlovic took the last ten games. Gasquet had no problems beating the tired Gabashvili, but he played more aggressively and he will need such approach today

The meeting between Karlovic and a junior player who is half his age was a sudden landing for the talented Russian. Khachanov became a big sensation overnight, because it is a 17-year old player who is not even among 15 best-ranked juniors in the world, and here fought for an ATP semifinal match. Although the Russian entered the match well, Karlovic chose smart tactics. Every second serve was attacked by the opponent at full blast, pulling on the forehand. There was little success, so that both kept their service until 4-4.

Until that eighth game, Khachanov displayed all his talent. A good service, frequent forehand attacks and excellent passing shots. But, first time he had 15-30 on his service, his game fell apart. He knew a return winner would be attempted, and that made him take more risk on second serve. It was just too much, and the Croat had a couple of breaks for the first time. He took advantage of the second, and after that the 17-year old never took a single game. The Russian's game completely disappeared, he was helpless on return, and on service he lost concentration. Notwithstanding the compliments he gathered this week, at the end he turned to be what he was - a 17-year old player, having still a lot to learn.

- It is difficult to play against Karlovic. At 4-4 I made two mistakes, and the game was gone. After that I got totally lost. Today I learned how it is to play someone who serves 220 kmh. I felt it on my skin. I have to learn return such a service if I want to play on that level - Khacharov was self-critical after the convincing defeat.

Gasquet continued the race for London. Although it was noticeable from the first match that he played this tournament because he had to, because he needed the points, he defeated Gabashvili with half power. The Russian had his chances, but missed on all five break points he had. The fatigue from two weeks of play, and a long match the day before, was noticed. Gabashvili without freshness still is not a player dangerous enough for a top 10 member.

- It was important to start the match well and this is what I did. I am glad I was more aggressive than in the second round. I knew Gabashvili can be a dangerous opponent and that is why I began aggressively - commented Gasquet after a convincing win, and then continued in the usual manner about the opponent in semifinals:

- Karlovic is awaiting me and I know it is going to be hard, but I will try to show my best tennis. I like it here and my goal is to get the title.

Gasquet and Karlovic played twice before. First time Ivo surrendered the match, but he won by far a more important one. Two years ago in New York he surprised the French tennis player. Here he won his place in the semifinal, the same he did the last year, which means he will keep his top 100 standing by the end of this year. A little slower conditions suit him well, because he has more time to react, and here the key point will be, by all means, the French player's return. As well as Gasquet's pressure, which will grow in case he will be unable to do something at his opponent's service. It is well known he is not a player who easily holds his own service.

Karlovic secured second semi-final in the row here. Moscow courts suit him well and he always looks confident when playing here. Not everything is about his service. Slower conditions provide him a number of opportunities for attack so he uses slower balls coming towards him in order to secure a points as much as possible. He misses a lot of those attacks but considering his service he can allow himself a number of unforced errors. However, he gets his opportunities and he mainly uses them. Gasquet is not at his best but he is on a winning streak and he plays good enough to record wins. He showed a lack of concentration in opening match and have therefore lost a set. He was also vulnerable yesterday but victorious nevertheless. He is vulnerable as stated before so I expect a narrow match in which Karlović has his chance. At the end I decided for more games which seams to be the most reasonable bet when it comes to this type of matches where probably small details will be decisive.