DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)—Defending champion Novak Djokovic rallied past Ivan Ljubicic 2-6, 6-4, 6-0 Thursday to advance to the semifinals at the Dubai Championships.
Djokovic was down a set and 4-4 against former finalist Ivan Ljubicic, who had 14 aces. But Djokovic won the next eight games and will play Marcos Baghdatis.
After losing the first set comfortably, I tried to hold my serve,'' Djokovic said.I knew that at a certain point he's going to miss (a) couple of first serves, and that was my chance. ``
The unseeded Baghdatis defeated Michael Berrer 7-6 (5), 6-1. He had 11 aces and gave Berrer no break chances.
Jurgen Melzer overcame Marin Cilic 7-6 (8), 7-5 to reach the other semifinal. Melzer will face seventh-seeded Mikhail Youzhny, who defeated Janko Tipsarevic 6-3, 6-4.
Cilic looked in control with a 4-1 lead in the second set but Melzer held serve and Cilic started making errors on a windy afternoon.
It marked the first time this year that Cilic did not reach the semifinals. He won titles in Chennai and Zagreb - including a win over Melzer in the semis. He also made it to his first Grand Slam semifinals at the Australian Open.
Of course, it's a little bit disappointing. I think that I could go a little bit further,'' the sixth-seeded Cilic said.I had my chance to make something and to win a few more matches. But also, the other guy played well. Melzer deserved it.''
Melzer advanced to his second semifinal of the year.
Well, to be honest, I think I was a little lucky to hold serve at 4-1,'' he said.He played really fantastic from when he just started the match. But after that I mixed it up a little bit, played a little serve-and-volley and served better.''
Tipsarevic, a day after upsetting Andy Murray, was never in contention against Youzhny. He was 0-for-3 in break-chance opportunities.
I knew he would be a little tired after last night's tough match against Murray, so I just wanted to make him run a bit,'' Youzhny said.The plan seems to have worked.''