Mikhail Youzhny of Russia salutes the crowd after his victory against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland during the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York September 9, 2010. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT TENNIS)

Youzhny Outlasts Wawrinka to Advance to the Semi-Final

by Parsa Samii, GEM Tennis (parsa@gemtennis.com)

New York, US Open — Russian Mikhail Youzhny defeated Stanislas Wawrinka in 5 tough sets 3-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 in exactly 4 hours. The conditions were once again extremely windy and it wreaked havoc on the quality of play. At this year’s US Open it seems as though the story is all about toughness. Only the most mentally tough are able to continue to compete thru this weather and on this day Youzhny was able to overcome all obstacles thrown at him.

The Russian had a clear plan to make Wawrinka work for the victory. Wawrinka was coming off of another 5 set marathon against American Sam Querrey in the previous round and Youzhny knew that if all else failed he could work the Swiss over and over again until Wawrinka succumbed. Eventually Wawrinka wilted, but not without a tremendous battle. Much respect to both competitors who showed great mental strength and fortitude to put on a show for the New York crowd.

This marks Youzhny’s second US Open semi-final. Next up for the Russian is the winner of the Nadal/Verdasco quarter-final being contested now.

Stay tuned to GEMTennis.com for the latest from the US Open!