Greg Rusedski's emotional roller-coaster of a US Open isn't over, amazingly enough. Rusedski became the first British man since Mike Sangster in 1961 to reach the semi-finals of the US Open tennis championships when he defeated 1996 Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek in the quarter-finals yesterday at Flushing Meadow.
British number one Rusedski, ranked 20th in the world, beat the 18th-rated Dutchman 7-5 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (8/6) in one hour and 57 minutes to ensure the best grand slam result of his career.
Swirling winds at 23,000-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium kept in check the big-serve styles of both Rusedski and Krajicek.
In the deciding tie-break Rusedski grabbed a 5-2 edge but then sent one shot long and three more into the net to give Krajicek a set point. But the Dutchman hit a volley wide and Rusedski served out to win.
He'll play the first Grand Slam semi-final of his career on Saturday, the same day he celebrates his 24th birthday and the same day his adopted country buries its beloved Princess of Wales.
"I can't believe I'm in the semis," Rusedski said. "I guess when I get up and have to play on Saturday, I guess I'll realize it then."
Rusedski's best previous Grand Slam performance was a run to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon earlier this year. He had never won a US Open match in three previous tries.
Rusedski, who was born in Montreal and whose mother was born in England, became a British citizen in 1995.
He says the move has been a big factor in the improvement in his game, especially his rivalry with Henman.
