Canadian Pospisil continues majestic run at Montreal Masters, reaches semifinals

Vasek Pospisil of Canada continues his fairy-tale run at the Montreal Masters 2013 by barging into the semifinals of this prestigious event. Ranked 71st prior to the event, the Canadian is poised to break the top 40 by reaching this far in this tournament.

The 23-year old advanced to the final four after his quarterfinal opponent Nikolay Davydenko of Russia retired due to bronchitis. Pospisil was leading 3-0 before Davydenko called off the match. The victory means that Pospisil will meet compatriot Milos Raonic on Saturday’s semifinal. Raonic broke Ernests Gulbis of Latvia in the final game of the match to secure the victory 7-6, 4-6, 6-4. Both Canadians became the first players from their nation since Mike Belkin in 1969 to reach the semifinals of this Masters 1000 event.

“I feel I’ve had some close matches against top players and had chances,” Pospisil was quoted as saying after the match. “I knew I was going in the right direction; it was just a matter of time. It’s extra special to do it here in Montreal. I’m trying to ride the wave and see where it goes.”

Pospisil dealt with mononucleosis in late last year which forced him to miss the Australian Open tournament in January. His comeback was impressive, having reached the Claro Open Colombia semifinals, won an ATP Challenger event in Vancouver a week prior to Montreal and his semifinal run so far in this tournament.

“This is a huge week for me points wise,” said Pospisil. “I’m going to make a really big jump regardless of how the match goes tomorrow. I’m just excited and will use the confidence I have and keep playing well.