The Argentine is on course to defend his title in Estoril.
DEL POTRO – WAWRINKA 7-6 (4) 6-4
The Tower of Tamil managed to get to the final in only 93 minutes. The key was his service game. 5 aces, no double faults, 78% points on his first serve and 75% on the second. No break points conceded. This gave the chance to Delpo to win the first set at the tie break and to capitalise on 1 break in he second to win it 6-4.
“It’s always tough to play Stan,” said the Argentine, “He never gives you anything. I love playing on the clay and it would be great to win this title again.”
Juan Martin will play Gasquet in the final. “It will be the same against Richard tomorrow – another tough player on clay,” Del Potro said. “I will have to improve my game even more if I’m to win.”
GASQUET – RAMOS 2-6 7-6 (1) 7-5
Richard came out a very tough match. After a shocking 1st set riddled with errors, the Frenchman managed to regroup to win the second at the tie break. The third set was a tight one. Richard got a decisive break in the 11th game to then go a win the match on his service.
“He was attacking a lot and I had to defend all the time. He played very well, as clay is his best surface. He really made me work,” Gasquet said “I had to serve well in the end to get this win. We played a lot of big points. I had to fight but felt a lot better after I won the tie-break.”Physically I feel good, but we will see on Sunday. I have nothing to lose and will just have to play my game.”
