Erste Bank Open, Vienna

Men’s Semifinal: [CR47] Steve Johnson (USA) vs. [CR117] Ernests Gulbis (LAT)

Johnson is into the first ATP Tour singles Final of his career.  After coming close earlier this year, he was determined to overcome the final obstacle, Gulbis.  He grabbed the early lead in the first set and never looked back.  The second set was a bit more complicated as memories of the past came back to taunt him. He took a one break lead and looked to be in control; however, Gulbis, streaky player that he is found a way to break on the eighth game to get the set back on serve at 4-4. The tension mounted for both players at the tail-end of the second set.  Johnson could see the finish line and Gulbis wanted to deny him that finish line.  He wanted to cross that line himself; however, today belonged to Johnson. Although he stumbled a little crossing the finish line, he dug deep and overcame the hurdle to get the 6-3, 7-6(4) victory.

If Stockholm Open, Sweden

Men’s Semifinal: [CR12] Richard Gasquet (FRA) vs.  [CR32] Jack Sock (USA)

American Sock was as hot as the color of his shirt, roaring off to an early lead of two breaks in the first set against the very gifted Frenchman, Gasquet.  Sock put himself in a commanding position and served to take a 4-0 lead, only to run into some resistance from Gasquet. They battled fiercely for that game, both equally determined to win it. Unfortunately for Sock, he lost serve to give one break back.  However, that was all he would allow in the first set and serve it out to win it 6-4.  The second set was the most dominant set of tennis I have recently seen from Sock.  He crushed Gasquet with his serves and off the ground with his forehand.  Gasquet could not get his backhand to do much damage today against Sock’s confidence.  Sock had no interest in losing this match and he maintained his focus to win 6-4, 6-2.  He’s into the second ATP Tour singles Final of his young career.