Philippoussis, Ancic Into Semis at ATP 's-Hertogenbosch

It is the first event since Wimbledon of last year where Philippoussis has been past the second round.

"In the first set I didn't really have too many opportunities but I played the tiebreaker well," Philippoussis said. "In the second set I was up a break early but unfortunately I lost some concentration. But I'm happy the way I came back."

No. 3 seed Mario Ancic also fought his way to the semis when an easy victory turned difficult in the face of doubles specialist Jonas Bjorkman, who the Croat eventually downed 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

"He is one of the best return players in the game," Ancic said of Bjorkman. "The momentum changed in the second set, he started to play really good. I had some chances and he had some as well. Finally I broke him in the third set and carried it to the end."

Rounding out the semis were two un-seeds in Czech Jan Hernych (d. Kohlschreiber) and defending champ Michael Llodra (d. Burgsmuller in three).

Saturday's semifinal line-up will be Llodra vs. (WC) Philippoussis, and (3) Mario "Baby Goran" Ancic vs. Hernych.

"It's the first time here I actually play someone who will serve and volley on pretty much first and second serve," said Philippoussis of Llodra. "He obviously likes to come to the net, that his game. It will be completely different to the other matches but I'm looking forward to it."

The doubles final will be an all-Czech affair in the unseeded Cibulec/Friedl vs. (2) Suk/Vizner.