Post by Caslav Klonimirovic on Jan 16, 2009 22:02:11 GMT -5
Tennis hero Ancic tastes defeat versus Djokovic
Croatian tennis hero Mario Ancic tasted defeat at the hands of his rival Novak Djokovic during a wet and warm night at the Sydney International.
The quarter final saw the Split-born player put up a stiff fight against Serbian Djokovic, before finally succumbing 6-3, 6-4 to the tennis world's third-best ranked player.
It had looked at one point like the match would have to be abandoned firstly due to baking temperatures of up to 41.2 degrees Celcius and then a series of violent thunderstorms.
Djokovic told Reuters: "I was thinking it would be better for both of us, whoever wins the match, to end up tonight so he can rest for the semi-final.
"I think as a winner I can say it's much better to finish tonight."
The Dalmatian capital of Split is often considered to be one Croatia's biggest tourist destinations, with the Adriatic city offering a number of attractions including Diocletian's Palace and the ocean-side Riva.
Djokovic claims Sydney semis berth
1 day ago
Novak Djokovic overcame a rain delay and Mario Ancic to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Sydney International.
The Serb, who is seeded third for next week's Australian Open, proved too strong for his Croatian opponent, winning 6-3 6-4 in a match which was halted in the second set due to inclement weather.
Djokovic will meet a well-rested Jarkko Nieminen in the last four, the Finn having progressed when scheduled opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to pull out without hitting a ball due to a back problem.
Lleyton Hewitt's impressive comeback from injury ended at the quarter-final stage as Argentina's David Nalbandian progressed thanks to a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 win.
Nalbandian will next face Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who beat Jeremy Chardy 6-2 7-6 (7-4).
Croatian tennis hero Mario Ancic tasted defeat at the hands of his rival Novak Djokovic during a wet and warm night at the Sydney International.
The quarter final saw the Split-born player put up a stiff fight against Serbian Djokovic, before finally succumbing 6-3, 6-4 to the tennis world's third-best ranked player.
It had looked at one point like the match would have to be abandoned firstly due to baking temperatures of up to 41.2 degrees Celcius and then a series of violent thunderstorms.
Djokovic told Reuters: "I was thinking it would be better for both of us, whoever wins the match, to end up tonight so he can rest for the semi-final.
"I think as a winner I can say it's much better to finish tonight."
The Dalmatian capital of Split is often considered to be one Croatia's biggest tourist destinations, with the Adriatic city offering a number of attractions including Diocletian's Palace and the ocean-side Riva.
Djokovic claims Sydney semis berth
1 day ago
Novak Djokovic overcame a rain delay and Mario Ancic to secure a place in the semi-finals of the Sydney International.
The Serb, who is seeded third for next week's Australian Open, proved too strong for his Croatian opponent, winning 6-3 6-4 in a match which was halted in the second set due to inclement weather.
Djokovic will meet a well-rested Jarkko Nieminen in the last four, the Finn having progressed when scheduled opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to pull out without hitting a ball due to a back problem.
Lleyton Hewitt's impressive comeback from injury ended at the quarter-final stage as Argentina's David Nalbandian progressed thanks to a 7-6 (7-3) 7-5 win.
Nalbandian will next face Frenchman Richard Gasquet, who beat Jeremy Chardy 6-2 7-6 (7-4).