Puerta’s comeback complete

Mariano Puerta reached his firstgrand slam semifinal at the French Open on Wednesday, the Argentine’s return to top flight tennis compl...

Mariano Puerta reached his firstgrand slam semifinal at the French Open on Wednesday, the Argentine’s return to top flight tennis complete following a nine-month anti-doping ban.

The 26-year-old, who has hauled his ranking up from 440 to 37 after testing positive for the banned drug clenbuterol in 2003, outgunned compatriot Guillermo Canas 6-2, 3-6, 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Puerta will face Russian Nikolay Davydenko in Friday’s semifinal. The 12th seed beat Spaniard Tommy Robredo 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4.

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“I can’t believe I’ve reached the semifinals, I really want to enjoy this moment,” Puerta said.

An anti-doping tribunal had determined last year that Puerta had been prescribed the drug — Clenbuterol– that promotes muscle growth by a doctor to treat an acute asthma attack. The player has always denied any wrongdoing and said on Wednesday his exile had made him stronger.

“I don’t really feel bitter,” he added. “I just don’t think back … don’t waste my energy remembering things in the past.”

Both Puerta and Canas learned their trade on the slow clay courts of Buenos Aires, and a long, tough test of patience and stamina was expected. Neither player disappointed.

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Ninth seed Canas had been the favourite but on the Roland Garros centre court there was nothing to separate the former junior team mates. For five sets the energetic Canas scurried and chased, shovelling the ball back with his compact, economic strokes.

Puerta, a runner-up in the boy’s singles here in 1995, threw everything at his opponent, his looping left-handed shots finding ever-more acute angles before Canas cracked for the last time.

Davydenko outlasted Robredo in a tight five-set tussle. “The key was to run, to run for every ball,” the Russian said. “It was so tough. Robredo played so well. He is a better player from the baseline but I managed it.”

The Russian, who turns 24 on Thursday, made sure of entering the world’s top 10 when the new rankings are released on Monday. “First time in the semifinals of a Grand Slam, first time in the top 10 — this is my birthday present,” he smiled. “Right now I’m tired but tomorrow I’ll realise and it will feel good.”

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Martina/Paes in semis: Sixth seeds Leander Paes and Martina Navratilova moved one step closer to winning their first French open together as they beat Corina Morariu and Jared Palmer 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3 to reach the semifinals of the mixed doubles event. (Reuters)

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