Davydenko, Ljubicic Lead Rotterdam Semifinals

Davydenko of Russia takes on Ljubicic of Croatia, with the two knotted at 2-2 in prior meetings. In the quarterfinals Friday, Davydenko beat Philipp Kohlschreiber, while Ljubicic defeated Florian Mayer.

Davydenko, 25, is playing in his second semifinal of the year. He made it that far at Doha last month (l. to Murray). Last year, Davydenko won a career-high five ATP titles, tying him for second with Rafael Nadal and James Blake behind Roger Federer with 12. He is seeking his 14th career ATP final (10-3).

Davydenko had a record of 7-3 in semifinals last year. He has a career mark of 9-3 at this event. He made it to the semifinals last year as well (l. to Stepanek).

Ljubicic, 27, is playing in his third semifinal of the year. He captured the crown at Doha last month (d. Murray) and was runner-up at Zagreb earlier this month (l. to Baghdatis). Ljubicic won three titles and was 5-1 in semifinals last year. He is trying to reach his 18th career ATP final (7-10). He has a 13-4 lifetime record at this event and finished as runner-up in his last appearance, in 2005 (to Federer).

In the other semifinal, Djokovic battles Youzhny, with the duo tied at 1-1 in prior tussles, the last being a three set victory by Youzhny in Marseille last week. In the quarterfinals Friday, Djokovic beat No. 2 seed Tommy Robredo, while Youzhny ousted No. 6 seed David Ferrer.

Djokovic, 19, has the second highest ATP Ranking among teens – No. 14, only one rung behind fellow 19-year-old Andy Murray. Djokovic earned the third title of his ATP career at Adelaide last month (d. Guccione), also winning the doubles crown there (with Stepanek). He was 3-1 in semifinals last year, when he won his other two titles. He is 3-1 in finals for his ATP career.

Djokovic has a 5-1 career record here, making the quarterfinals in his debut last year (l. to Stepanek).

Youzhny, 24, is playing in his second semifinal of the year. He reached that far at Zagreb three weeks ago (l. to Ljubicic). Last year he was 0-3 in semifinals, making that round at the US Open with an upset of Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals (l. to Roddick). He is seeking the fifth final and third title of his ATP career. Youzhny has a 3-2 lifetime mark here, earning his first victories this week. (ATP)