NEW YORK – No. 12 Mikhail Youzhny beat No. 25 Stanislas Wawrinka 3-6, 7-6 (7), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3 on Thursday to advance to his second career U.S. Open semifinal.
On yet another windy day at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Youzhny handled the conditions better. He committed 57 unforced errors to 71 by his opponent. Wawrinka led 1-0 and 2-1 in sets but couldn't hold the lead either time. Midway through the fourth, he had his left thigh taped and didn't move as well for the rest of the match.
Youzhny improved to 13-9 lifetime in five-set matches. He became the first Russian to make the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament since Marat Safin at Wimbledon in 2008. Youzhny made the semifinals at the U.S. Open in 2006, but hadn't been past the second round again until this year.
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