Dutchman Haase first player to enter Dubai Open semis

Dubai March 2 (IANS) Robin Haase ranked 57th in the ATP rankings advanced to the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free (DDF) Tennis Championships after beating Damir Dzumhur from Bosnia Herzegovina in three sets 6-2 4-6 6-4 in the first quarter-final of the men s singles event here on Thursday.

I started well and balanced but in the second set Dzumhur made less mistakes while I became less focused the 1.91 meter-tall Haase said after the match which lasted an hour and 51 minutes reports Xinhua news agency.

It was quite a match and I am happy I entered the semis. Hasse added.

Asked who he prefers to meet in the semi-finals Haase said: I am neutral about this really. I am happy and I will give my best on Friday.

The Dutchman will face either fourth seeded Frenchman Gael Monfils or Fernando Verdasco of Spain for a place in the final.

The final of the DDF tournament 2017 will take place on Saturday. The winner will take prize money of $2.6 million.

--IANS
tri/bg