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  • ATP Rotterdam - Karlovic vs Llodra

    2/22/08 10:58 PM | David Cox
    - Line judges officiating in the first semi-final tomorrow would be best advised to wear protective helmets as the two biggest servers in the tournament go head-to-head. Despite many players describing the Rotterdam centre court as a slow surface compared to most indoor ATPs, Llodra and Karlovic have still clocked up a combined total of 75 aces !!

    The bottom half has been a bit of a throwback to the 90s with two serve-volleyers coming through, a rare sight in tennis nowadays.

    Llodra holds a 2-0 head-to-head lead, both matches being played on indoor carpet. The first was an epic tussle in Paris 4 years ago, the Frenchman coming from behind in front of home fans to nick it 6-7(9), 7-6(5), 6-4. Last year’s encounter in Zagreb was slightly more routine, Karlovic going down 6-4, 7-6(8) in his home tournament

    Llodra is certainly not fazed by excitable opposition fans, taking out both Raemon Sluiter and Robin Haase in front of crowds several thousand strong, this week. Neither player has dropped a set but Llodra has had to fight quite hard for his victories, battling through 3 tiebreaks. Karlovic has barely broken sweat, yet to concede more than 6 games in total.

    There’s quite a bit at stake ranking-wise in this one, Karlovic needs to win to defend his points from making last year’s San Jose final and if he takes the title he’ll break the top 20. If Llodra wins it’ll be his 2nd ATP final of the year and should move him close to his career best ranking of 38.

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