American Todd Martin avoided another five-set marathon against Thomas Johansson despite a brave comeback from the Swede to reach the semi-finals of the US Open. This will be Martin's second consecutive appearance in the semis and this time he'll be taking on the Russian Marat Safin, who beat the German Nicholas Kiefer 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in his quarter-final tie. Martin decided not to take the hard route this time and won the first two sets 6-4 6-4. Although he looked comfortable during the opening sets, it then seemed that his exertions in previous ties were catching up with him. Johansson broke Martin's serve in the fourth game of the third set and eventually took it 6-3 after Martin's unforced errors increased in number.
In the fourth set, Johansson got the start he wanted when he immediately broke Martin's serve. The Swede looked as if he were firmly taking control of the tie until the eighth game of the set. With a 4-3 lead, Johansson stepped up to serve but seemed somewhat unsettled following a dispute with the umpire over a line decision. Martin broke back and the set stood at 4-4. Martin held his serve in the next game and suddenly he was back in control of the match. With the home crowd cheering him on, the American eventually took the set 7-5 and is now only one game away from the final.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
