Greg Rusedski/Getty Images

Rusedski Reaches First Semifinal in Canada; Agassi reaches his 32nd Masters semifinal

August 13, 2005 - American Andre Agassi, the fourth seed, advanced to the semifinals of the Rogers Cup, a Masters Series event in Montreal.

He defeated 2004 French Open champion and sixth seed Gaston Gaudio of Argentina, 6-3, 6-4, in a match held over two days because of rain delays. It's the third time this year Agassi has reached a Masters Series semifinal (with Rome and Miami) and the 32 nd time in his career. He'll take on former Canadian Greg Rusedski this evening.

“Who plays like Rusedski these days? Not too often you see somebody that plays like him,” said Agassi. “I can see how these courts favor his type of game. He's got a pretty nasty lefty serve. I just want to make sure I'm controlling the parts of the match that are in my hands, like the baseline rallies – not make him play a great match.”

Rusedski advanced to the Rogers Cup semifinals, defeating Slovak Dominik Hrbaty 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and six minutes. It marks the first time since Madrid in 1999 that he has advanced to this stage of a Masters Series event. It's also his second semifinal in North America after Indian Well in 1998.

“I think I've been playing really well all week,” said Rusedski. “It's the first match where I don't have a big server attacking me. I think I handled the conditions slightly better. I wanted to get the match done quickly. That was the key for me, to win in one hour. Now I have enough rest for tonight's match.”

Rusedski said his performance this week is something to be proud of. “It's great to be in the semis here in Montreal. This is where I grew up. This is where I was born. So, you know, it's great to be out here and great to win and have such great support.”

Agassi and Rusedski have not played each other since 2002, but throughout their careers, they've met nine times, each time on hard court. The American holds a 7-2 record. In Masters Series events, they've met only once – in Miami in 2002, and Agassi easily won 6-3, 6-1.

One of the most accessible tournaments

The Rogers Cup presented by National Bank is more accessible than ever thanks to the Uniprix Zone, Neighbourhood Day, and Tide & Downy Family Day.

Excellent tickets are still available for all sessions on Centre Court and for the National Bank Court. Tickets start at just $10, with the final weekend starting at just $40. For more information on this tournament or to buy tickets, call (514) 273-1515 (toll free 1-866-338-2685).

MORE NEWS+ HOME