Guillermo Coria's progress
1st Round: Andre Sa (BRA) 6-3, 6-1, 6-1.
2nd Round: N Kiefer (GER) 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.
3rd Round: A Savolt (HUN) 6-4, 6-1, 6-1.
4th Round: M Zabaleta (ARG) 6-4, 7-6, 5-7, 6-7, 6-3.
Qtr Finals: A Agassi (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4.
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French Open 2003
The men's semi-finalists
Guillermo Coria is just 21, but plays with a maturity that exceeds all expectations. He entered the semi-finals for the first time at Roland Garros, dismissing veteran Andre Agassi in four sets.
"It is incredible, a dream come true to be here in the semi-finals. Agassi was my hero when I was growing up. This is amazing," said Coria, who was suspended for six months on doping charges last season.
His opponent is the big-serving Dutch Martin Verkerk, who, before this tournament, had not won a single match in a Grand Slam event.
Verkerk has 94 aces already in this tournament. This giant sized torpedo can produce some power hitting strokes.
"He's four times taller than I am. He's huge. But I played (Mark) Philippoussis in Hamburg and I was not cowed by his size. I will just have to chase down every ball," said Coria.
Verkerk was shocked when he saw his slow motion pictures in television replays, "Yeah, it's ugly - it's terrible. But I'm not here to be beautiful, I'm here to win."
The first semi-final >>
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Martin Verkerk's progress
1st Round: Z Krajan (CRO) 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
2nd Round: L Horna (PER) 4-6, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
3rd Round: V Spadea (USA) 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 7-5.
4th Round: R Schuettler (GER) 6-3, 6-3, 7-5.
Qtr Finals: C Moya (ESP) 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 4-6, 8-6.
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