Photo Credit: Mark Howard
(April 9, 2010) Sam Querrey played golf yesterday and spoke like a man eager to tee off on Wayne Odesnik today.
Querrey tamed a tenacious Nicolas Massu, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, to advance to his first career clay-court semifinal at the US Men's Clay Court Championships in River Oaks.
It is the third semifinal of the season for Querrey, who will play Odesnik in Saturday's semifinals. Odesnik, the 2009 finalist, saved 11 of 12 break points in sweeping Xavier Malisse, 6-4, 6-1.
The third-seeded Querrey made it clear he is relishing the opportunity to play Odesnik.
Some players are privately fuming that Odesnik, who pled guilty to importing eight vials of HGH into Australia is playing.
Querrey said he wants a shot at Odesnik.
"I want to play him. I would refuse to lose to that guy," said Querrey. Asked if he would have added incentive if he faces Odesnik, Querrey said "Yeah."
Querrey and Odesnik have never played in an ATP World Tour match, however Odesnik did defeat Querrey three times in 2005-06 in Futures and Challenger events.
Asked for his response, Odesnik said "We'll see what happens tomorrow."
Odesnik denies he has ever used HGH.
In a statement issued through his Florida-based attorney, Christopher Lyons, Odesnik said he is cooperating with the International Tennis Federation's investigation.
"The ITF are presently conducting an investigation of me regarding my possession of HGH while in Australia earlier this year," Odesnik said in a statement. "I have never used nor taken HGH, or any other banned substance in my life. I am fully co-operating with their investigation and I will have no further comment on the matter until it is concluded."
The ITF said since Odesnik has not been found guilty of using HGH, he is permitted to continue playing.