Martin sets up last four clash with Safin

On Saturday, Martin will face Russian Marat Safin, who defeated the 14th seed German Nicolas Kiefer 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 to reach the final four.

Meanhile, former World No 1 Aranxta Sanchez-Vicario of Spain won the mixed doubles title for the first time, teaming up with American doubles specialist Jared Palmer.

The Spanish-American team beat Russian Anna Kournikova and Max Mirnyi of Belarus 6-4 6-3.

Coming to the men’s signles, after losing the first two sets against Martin, Johansson caught fire in the third, losing only five points on serve and committing a mere two unforced errors to claim it 6-3.

Martin fell down a break in the third, but got it back as Johansson lost confidence over a Martin return which landed long, but was over-ruled by the chair to give Martin 15-all. The American clinched his victory with a break in the final game.

Safin, seeded sixth, has been notorious for smashing his equipment, destroying 48 rackets during 1999 and paying in a big way for his hot-headed, but motivation-driven actions on court.

“I’ve broken 35-36 rackets, this year,” he said. “The last one was last week against Frenchman Thierry Guardiola (in the first round). I’ve forgotten about it already,” he added. “I’m a new man.”

US Open Results

Men’s singles (QF): Todd Martin (USA) bt Thomas Johansson (Swe) 6-4 6-4; 6-Marat Safin (Rus) bt 14-Nicolas Kiefer (Ger X14) 7-5 4-6 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 7-5.Doubles (SF): Men’s: Lleyton Hewitt/ Max Mirnyi (Aus/ Blr) bt 3-Alex O’Brien/ Jared Palmer (USA) 6-4 3-6 7-6 (9-7); 4-Ellis Ferreira/ Rick Leach (Rsa/ USA) bt Wayne Ferrera/ Yevgeni Kafelnikov (Rsa/ Rus) 6-4 5-7 6-3.

Women’s: 10-Cara Black/ Elena Likhovtseva (Zim/ Rus) w/o Serena/ Venus Williams (USA); 2-Julie Halard/ Ai Sugiyama (Fra/Jap) bt 12-Els Callens/ Dominique van Roost (Bel) 7-5 6-1.

Mixed Doubles (final): Arantxa Sanchez/ Jared Palmer (Esp/ USA) bt Anna Kournikova/ Max Mirnyi (Rus/Blr) 6-4 6-3.