Karlovic advances into US Clay Court semis

HOUSTON, Apr 14 (Reuters) Ivo Karlovic utilised a single break of service to upset world number 10 Tommy Haas 7-6 6-4 in the quarter-finals of the U.S. Men's Clay Court Championships on Friday.

The unseeded Croat earned his third career victory in four attempts against the third-seeded German, needing one hour and 37 minutes to gain the triumph.

The 28-year-old Karlovic, ranked 108 in the world, raised his record to 6-12 against top 10 players, including three straight wins.

In Saturday's semi-finals, Karlovic will meet 84th-ranked Albert Montanes, who defeated American Vince Spadea 6-4 6-4.

Argentine Mariano Zabaleta, a 6-1 6-2 victor over Juergen Melzer of Austria, will face American James Blake in the other semi-final.

The second-seeded Blake overcame a second-set disaster to bounce number eight Juan Monaco of Argentina, 7-6 1-6 7-6.

REUTERS SSC KN1040