Kiefer on cloud nine after reaching semis

Los Angeles, July 21: Nicolas Kiefer, inching his way back into form after a long injury layoff, was in elated mood after reaching his first ATP semi-final in 18 months at the Los Angeles Classic.

The 30-year-old German, a wildcard entry for this week's event and a finalist here in 2004, beat compatriot Michael Berrer 7-6 6-1 at the Los Angeles Tennis Center, yesterday.

Sidelined for more than a year after hurting his wrist at the 2006 French Open, Kiefer won the opening set 7-5 on a tiebreak before storming through the second set with three breaks of serve.

''It's a very big win for me and it's never easy to play against a good friend,'' Kiefer told reporters after winning the match in one hour 22 minutes.

''We are practising so many times together and then we play here in a quarter-final and of course both of us want to win.

''I had a good start and he came back very strong but timing was very important. I think it was the key for today.

''I am very happy with the way I am playing at the moment, not only winning by playing good tennis but it's also winning by fighting, and that's the most important thing.''

WRIST SURGERY

Kiefer, who had wrist surgery in July and October last year, took comfort in his impressive record in Los Angeles, where he also reached the semi-finals in 2003 and the last eight in 2002.

''I know I always play well here, I have a good record and this also helps,'' he said.

''The main thing is that I got a wildcard otherwise I would not be here. It's a good feeling to give it back somehow.'' Kiefer, who will be playing in his first ATP semi-final since he lost to Roger Federer at the 2006 Australian Open, is simply delighted to be back in competitive action.

''I don't care which court I play on or where I play,'' he said. ''The most important thing for me now is that everything is okay and I'm healthy.

''I am playing good tennis and I'm just enjoying every single moment.''

Reuters

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