Rochus Plays "Best Ever" Match
It was the best match of the tournament so far. Olivier Rochus, the sixth seed and beaten finalist, annihilated second seed David Ferrer of Spain 6-2 6-0 to move into the semifinals of the Heineken Open on Thursday showing top form and no mercy for his opponent.
"This is the best ever. I never played so good. I didn't miss one ball.
Some balls I was closing my eyes and ...boom, a winner. I don't know why," the Belgian said.
The match took just 50 minutes in front of a capacity night crowd and now has Rochus looking forward to facing left-handed seventh seed Jarkko Nieminen of Finland.
The Finish No1 beat Nicolas Massu in straight sets but will have his work cut out for him against the diminutive Belgium.
Rochus who is also in the doubles semis with his older brother Christophe has a 3-1 lead in head-to-head matches against Nieminen. The last time they played being in 2003 at Wimbledon when Rochus was victorious in straight sets.
"He (Nieminen) will be very tough. He is a good player, he almost never misses. I expect a very tough game," said Rochus.
After 28 matches in singles in the tournament main draw there has still been only three set match as Alberto Martin beat Robby Ginepri in the first round.
Thursday: Ancic Stuns Gonzalez to Reach SF
