HAAS BLAZES PAST GONZALES

Indian Wells, Wednesday - Looking for revenge from his previous loss to Gonzales at this year's semi-final Australian Open, No. 9 seed Tommy Haas (GER) steamrolled fourth seeded Fernando Gonzales (CHI) 6-3, 6-2 this evening at the Pacific Life Open in the round of 16.

"I was fired up, looking forward to this rematch" Haas stated. After two shoulder surgeries which resulted in an absence from the tour of 15 months, Haas feels he is playing some of his best tennis this year. He helped Germany defeat Croatia in Davis Cup and had a strong semi-final showing at the Australian Open where he lost to Gonzales. The Indian Wells title seems to be a good possibility for him. With some of the top seeds exiting early, including three time consecutive winner Roger Federer who suffered a first round loss to Argentine Lucky Loser Guillermo Canas, the title seems to be up for grabs.

Looking strong from the start, Haas broke serve in the first set to lead 3-0.With a loud Chilean crowd cheering their hero, Gonzales caught up 2 - 3 before Haas quieted them at 4-2. Gonzales held serve with a couple of big serves and closed the game with an inside-out forehand winner. It was too-little too-late, as Haas stayed in control and executed his game plan. The Second set was much of the same with Haas countering the Chilean's best shots and frustrating him with incredible volleys, precision drop shots and down the line one handed backhand winners. Haas kept Gonzales on the defensive and went up 5-2. Serving for the match with a total of two aces and one double fault for the second set, Gonzales’ night ended in an hour with a 127mph service winner.

Currently the Oldest player in the top 10, Haas is going to face 13th seed British hopeful, Andy Murray (GBR) in the quarter finals on Friday. This will be the first time the two compete.
"He has fantastic hands and it’s always tricky to play someone for the first time" Haas stated about the UK's top player.

HANTUCHOVA SQUEAKS PAST PEER

The 2002 Pacific Life Open Champion, Daniela Hantuchova(SVK), outlasted No.10 seed Shahar Peer (ISR) 6-2, 5-7, 7-6(5)

This was a classic battle which lasted two hours and 43 minutes. The 14th seeded Hantuchova took the first set with relative ease and seemed to be coasting to a quick two set victory when Peer switched into high gear and fought hard to take the second set 7-5.

Neither player could hold onto a service game leading in the third set. Peer took an early lead but Hantuchova elevated her play and served at 5-4. Unable to close it out with Peer fighting hard, the set was pushed to a tie-break which see-sawed back and forth till Hantuchova prevailed 7-5.

With this win, Hantuchova will face No.12 seed Na Li (CHN) in the semi-finals.
 

Daniela Hantuchova[14] (SVK)

Tommy Haas (GER)