Gonzalez beats El Aynaoui at BMW Open

The Associated Press
Published: May 3, 2008

MUNICH, Germany: Fernando Gonzalez of Chile remained unbeaten on clay this year, beating 36-year-old Younes El Aynaoui of Morocco 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 Saturday to reach the BMW Open final.

Gonzalez, seeded second, will go for his 10th title Sunday against Simone Bolelli, an Italian who upset top-seeded Paul-Henri Mathieu of France 7-6 (1), 4-6, 7-6 (4).

El Aynaoui is the oldest semifinalist on the ATP Tour since Jimmy Connors 15 years ago. Connors was 40 when he made the semifinals in San Francisco in 1993.

"If someone had told me beforehand that I could reach the semifinals, I would have jumped at it," said El Aynaoui said, who extended his clay record to 9-0.

El Aynaoui, ranked 295th, has been a fan favorite in Munich since he won the 2002 title and tossed off his shoes before hopping into the sports car he won.

He had to play three extra matches to qualify for the main field. He broke Gonzalez's serve to lead 3-2 in the second set after taking the first. Gonzalez broke his racket in anger but lifted his game and won in just under two hours.

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