AN exciting battle is on the cards as the top four seeds will contest today's doubles semi-finals of the ATP Malaysian Open at Putra Stadium.
Newly crowned US Open champions Jurgen Melzer-Philipp Petzschner, who are aiming for their fourth title of the season, face third seeds Czech Republic and Slovakia pairing of Frantisek Cermak and Filip Polasek. It will be the first meeting between both pairs.
Cermak will be gunning for revenge today as he and his former Slovakian partner Michal Mertinak were beaten by Melzer-Petzschner in Zagreb last year, which turned out be the turning point for their World No 5 opponents as they went on to win their first title together.
Cermak-Polasek, the World No 20, are determined to win their third title of the season after having been crowned champions in Belgrade and Gstaad this year.
The 34-year-old Cermak could also etch his name in the Malaysian Open history books if he retains the title as no player has done so in the tournament. He won the title with Mertinak last year.
However, Melzer, an Austrian, and the German-born Petzschner are the favourites to extend their winning streak since their triumph in New York in the semi-finals today.
Petzschner said he and Melzer were not thinking too hard about their match.
"I am taking a break today (yesterday) while Melzer needs to focus on singles. We will discuss and plan our strategies on Saturday (today)," said Petzschner.
"We are happy with our form as we are continuously improving. A good showing here will boost our confidence in upcoming tournaments in Asia."
Second seeds Eric Butorac of the United States and Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands Antilles, the World No 9, meet American pairing of Scott Lipsky and Rajeev Ram, the fourth seeds, in the other semi-finals.
Butorac-Rojer, the World No 9, are hoping to secure their first qualification to the ATP World Tour Finals in London and a victory in the Malaysian Open will set them on the right course. Only the top eight highest ranked pairs will do battle in London.
Lipsky-Rajeev, the World No 16, who won in Delray Beach and San Jose, however, could make it tough for their opponents' as they are playing good tennis in KL.
