DOHA: Andy Roddick reached his first final since September when he carved a fine win in a high quality match against Gael Monfils in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open.
The former world number one from the United States also showed signs of evolving into a more measured and varied player during his 7-6 (7/1), 3-6, 6-3 win over the brilliant but inconsistent Frenchman.
Conditions were a little too slow for the world's fastest server to boom down tons of aces, and instead he worked his way into the baseline rallies very competently, and also won a good proportion of points by getting to the net.
Monfils, who eliminated world number one Rafael Nadal in straight sets on Thursday, looked to have more than enough spectacular weapons to sweep Roddick aside too, with his blistering court coverage, excellent serving and blazing winners from all kinds of unexpected positions.
But the 22-year-old missed his chance to close out the first set when he was serving at 5-4, and having re-established a dominance in many of the rallies was unable to find the right shot at crucial moments in the final set.
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Roddick reaches Qatar Open final
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