PHOTO: Ljubo Defeats Ancic in Croatian Semis

Ivan Ljubicic defeated Mario Ancic 7-6, 6-4 in the Croatian semi final and placed himself in the Zagreb Indoors final.

The great Croatian duel between Ivan Ljubicic and Mario Ancic in the PBZ Zagreb Indoors semi-finals saw Ljubicic winner, who celebrated victory in two sets (7-6, 6-4). 

The first set showed how much these two players respect one another. We all know how good Ljubo and Mario are when they serve, and it was exactly the serve that decided the first set. Ljubicic won the tie break 7 to 2.

In the second set, Ancic did not manage to take the serve from him, although he had six chances. Ljubicic made good use of the first break chance and took the serve from Ancic at the beginning of the second set. Ancic then started to make a lot of mistakes.

Ancic, struggling, remained in the match, but Ljubicic in an exciting tenth game, managed to get to the final. He needed seven match points to break Super Mario, but in the end he managed and tomorrow he will try to win his second trophy in Zagreb against Stakhovsky.

See the highlights from the semi-final in PHOTO GALLERY.

Mario Ancic was the first one to come out to the press conference held after the match. However, despite the defeat he was not too upset.

- I expected a match like this. We trained so much together and we know each other so well that I could have expected something like this. Details made the difference. I still miss the rhythm in matches and it is visible. He made better use of all the key moments of the match and exactly these details made the difference. My plan and tactics were to be aggressive against his serve, especially the second, but unfortunately I did not manage to transform break – said Mario, and added:

- The atmosphere was fantastic and I am really excited. I am sorry that this was not the final because the match was worthy of one. Ljubo is favourite in the real final and I hope that the trophy will end up in Croatian hands.

After Ancic, came the turn of the winner, who could not hide his excitement with the achieved result.

- The most demanding player and the most demanding match I have played up until now, that's for sure. Mario was excellent, especially in the first set, but I was concentrated in the tie break and took the first set. He clearly misses the rhythm and I told him that the only way he has is to continue and fight on. I have to confess that I got goose bumps when I entered the hall and I am glad there was that kind of atmosphere – said Ivan Ljubicic after the match, adding a short perspective on the final against the Ukraine.

- The final will be a special match. I know that everyone expects me to win, but it will be not simple at all. He has played a brilliant tournament, but we have to see if he is physically ready fort his first final – Ljubicic concluded.