Mathieu, Gonzalez reach BMW Open semifinals, El Aynaoui oldest in 15 years

The Associated Press
Published: May 2, 2008

MUNICH, Germany: Younes El Aynaoui became the oldest semifinalist on the ATP Tour in 15 years when he beat Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina 6-4, 6-4 on Friday to reach the last four at the BMW Open.

El Aynaoui won the Munich tournament in 2002 but had to qualify for this year's edition and is in his first semifinal match since October 2003. He is now ranked No. 295.

The Moroccan, at 36 years and seventh months, became the oldest semifinalist on the tour since Jimmy Connors played in the last four in San Francisco in 1993 at the age of 40 years and five months.

El Aynaoui next plays second-seeded Fernando Gonzalez, who is looking for his second title of the year. Gonzalez beat Marat Safin 6-3, 7-5, winning the last three games to end the match before a rain shower interrupted play at the tournament.

Top-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu of France defeated eight-seeded Marin Cilic 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 to set up a semifinal against Italy's Simone Bolelli, a 6-4, 7-6 (3) winner over Lee Hyung-taik.

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