Rochus outlasts Lopez to reach quarterfinals at Stockholm Open
By APThursday, October 22, 2009
Rochus advances to quarters in Stockholm
STOCKHOLM — Olivier Rochus rallied to defeat eighth-seeded Feliciano Lopez 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 Thursday to reach the quarterfinals at the Stockholm Open.
Jarkko Nieminen of Finland advanced to the last eight without hitting a shot when second-seeded opponent Tommy Haas withdrew because of the flu.
Marcos Baghdatis of Cyprus joined them in the quarterfinals, stopping Robert Kendrick of the United States 6-2, 6-2.
Rochus broke Lopez’ serve to lead 2-0 in the decisive set. The Belgian broke again to 5-1 and then saved a break point in the next game before serving out the match.
It’s the fourth time Rochus has reached the quarterfinals in Stockholm.
Only one seeded player, Robin Soderling, remains in the tournament. The top-seeded Swede was to play Andreas Seppi of Italy later Thursday.
