Stealthy Youzhny advances

TENNIS US OPEN:NUMBER 12 SEED Mikhail Youzhny of Russia reached the fourth Grand Slam quarter-final of his career with a convincing 7-5 6-2 4-6 6-4 victory over Spain's Tommy Robredo at the US Open last night.

It was the first time the two had met since the same round of the 2006 Open when Youzhny enjoyed his best run in a grand slam, defeating Rafa Nadal en route to the semi-finals.

He has gone through the top half of the draw relatively unnoticed, although American crowds will remember him for his victory over home favourite John Isner in the previous round.

The 28-year-old Youzhny, however, has not always gone about his business quietly.

He became an internet sensation two years ago during a match in Miami against Robredo’s countryman, Nicolas Almagro, when he smashed himself in the head three times with his racquet after losing a point, drawing blood in the process.

In stark contrast, he managed to keep his cool against Robredo in Louis Armstrong Stadium.

Youzhny has the all-round game to beat the best on any surface and has one of the game’s finest backhands. But a series of injuries has slowed a promising career which began in the junior ranks in Moscow where he still lives.

The Russian number one, whose passion for tennis was captured as a ball boy at the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, has worked with the same coach, Boris Sobkin, since the age of 10.

Youzhny is confident his run at Flushing Meadows can continue.

“It’s the first time in a year that I have already had two quarter-finals in grand slams,” he said after his three-hour victory over the last unseeded player in the men’s draw.

“It maybe means I’m starting to play a little bit more consistently. I hope to continue.” Youzhny, already has one title to his name this season on the clay in Munich after which he celebrated by driving a Mercedes around the court.

But Flushing Meadows spectators are seeing a more subdued celebration where he places his racquet on his head and salutes all four corners of the court.

“It’s just a salute for the crowd,” said Youzhny, a French Open quarter-finalist this year. “A lot of guys kiss their hands and say thanks or put a racquet up and say thanks. I like to do this one.”

In the next round, Youzhny will face either Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka, fresh from his victory over Andy Murray, or American Sam Querrey.