Gaudio Stones Hewitt for French Open Semifinal Berth

Posted on June 2, 2004

Unseeded Gaston Gaudio ended Llyeton Hewitt's hopes of a first Roland Garros crown beating the Australian 6-3, 6-2, 6-2 to advance to his first career Slam semifinal.

"I am very pleased," said the 44th-ranked Gaudio. "I hope I am going to continue to enjoy this."

In windy, cold conditions, Gaudio dictated play against the two-time year-end No. 1 Hewitt playing a near flawless match to win in just under two hours.

The 25-year-old Gaudio from Buenos Aires had never been past the fourth round of a Major in 20 prior tries. He is the holder of two career titles, both coming on clay.

"My confidence is increasing," added Gaudio. "Even though I was in the quarterfinals, I was still feeling confident."

Gaudio now joins fellow countryman Guillermo Coria in the Roland Garros semifinals giving Argentina two players in the Slam final four for the first time since the 1982 French Open when Guillermo Vilas and Jose-Luis Clerc made their run. The South American country had four players in the quarterfinals for the first time in Slam history.

Argentine Davide Nalbandian is scheduled to play three-time French Open winner Gustavo Kuerten later today. The winner will face Gaudio for a spot in Sunday's final.

Hewitt falls to 0-2 in Roland Garros quarterfinal play, and he has failed to reach the semifinals at his last six Grand Slams.

"He was to good," said Hewitt. "He's very confident on this surface and his movement's as good as anyone's."