. . . Gonzo!

Fernando Verdasco was trying to become the third Spaniard to advance into the semifinals in front of the hometown crowd. Fernando Gonzalez instead crashed what was to be an all-Spanish semifinal between David Ferrer and Fernando Verdasco. In the battle of the Fernandos and their forehands, Gonzalez upset second-seed Verdasco 6-3 4-6 6-4.

Gonzalez broke Verdasco in the second game of the match and silenced the Spaniard’s hometown crowd early. Verdasco had an opportunity to break back, but Gonzalez was able to hold off the Spaniard. Verdasco had another sloppy game, and the Chilean jumped out to a 4-0 lead. Gonzalez was probably surprised at his lead over the young gun because he lost concentration and left an opening for Verdasco, who broke back in the fifth game to get on the board. Verdasco then held to bring the set to 4-2.

Gonzalez‘s backhand began to let him down, and he began to shank more balls into the net. Verdasco had another break opportunity, but Gonzalez was able to hold him off again and keep his break advantage. The Spaniard’s run woke him up and caused the Chilean to keep honest. Gonzalez was able to hold onto his break and took the first set after an easy service game.

In the second set, both players dug in and were evenly matched. Gonzalez had three break points and converted on the fourth. It appeared the Chilean would cruise to victory, but Verdasco quickly replied with a break of his own to level the match. Verdasco broke again in game nine and then held serve for the set.

Now even with a set apiece, the two players battled and remained even after six games. Gonzalez finally seized on an opportunity and broke Verdasco in the seventh game of the third set. Verdasco tried to raise his game, but Gonzalez also raised his game and began to punish the Spaniard with his forehand. He then cruised on his service games to take the set and match after 2 hours and 17 minutes of play.

Gonzalez will now meet the fourth-seed David Ferrer. He leads Ferrer 4-2 in their head-to-head matchup and has won all of their meetings on clay.