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Angry Safin upset by call, Llodra
Marat Safin lost his temper and his quarterfinal at the St. Petersburg Open on Friday, getting surprised by seventh-seeded Michael Llodra 6-4, 6-1 after protesting a line call.
Safin started arguing, insisting that the ball was out and that it had left a mark on the court. The point was replayed, and Llodra wound up holding serve to lead 5-4.
In the second set, Safin continued to argue with Bernardos, and his level of play dropped. Llodra broke him at love in the fourth game and then held for 4-1.
Safin refused to shake hands with Bernardos after the match.
"Llodra came up with a good match and some great shots. I also know I was irritated with a few calls and probably lost my temper," Safin said. "I am really disappointed and upset because I lost today. I came here to win the tournament."
A win could have clinched a spot for Safin at the season-ending Tennis Masters Cup in Houston next month. He is in competition with Andre Agassi, Guillermo Coria, Tim Henman and David Nalbandian for the last three berths in that tournament.
Roger Federer, Andy Roddick, Lleyton Hewitt, Carlos Moya and Gaston Gaudio have the other berths.
In Saturday's St. Petersburg Open semifinals, Llodra will face Karol Beck, who eliminated Cyril Saulnier 6-3, 7-6 (3). Fourth-seeded Mikhail Youzhny plays Greg Rusedski in the other semifinal.
Youzhny beat Julien Benneteau of France, 6-0, 6-1, while Rusedski defeated Ivo Karlovic 6-4, 7-6 (7). |
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