MERCEDES-BENZ NOTEBOOK: GAMBILL TO TRY TO BREAK SEASON'S SEMIFINAL STREAK.Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer Jan-Michael Gambill Jan-Michael Charles Gambill (born June 3, 1977 in Spokane, Washington, U.S.) is an American tennis player, who made his professional debut in 1996. He's best known for his unusual double-handed forehand. had no problem advancing to the semifinals in straight sets at the Mercedes-Benz Cup on Friday. But getting past the semifinals is Gambill's problem. He already advanced to the semifinals a career-best three times this season but has yet to get to a final this year. His last appearance in a final was in April of 2001 Gambill, ranked No. 53, needs to break that streak to start climbing in the rankings again. He was ranked No. 21 entering the year. He doesn't have an easy road, playing against fellow American Andy Roddick Andrew Stephen "Andy" Roddick (born August 30, 1982) is an American professional tennis player and a former World No. 1. He is the top-ranked American player and fifth-ranked player in the world as of October 1, 2007. He finished sixth in the 2006 ATP Race. . Roddick, 19, is the second-highest ranked American in the world, next to Andre Agassi Andre Kirk Agassi (born April 29 1970, in Las Vegas, Nevada) is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player from the United States who won eight Grand Slam singles tournaments and an Olympic gold medal in singles. at No. 12. ``I've had some tough breaks in semifinals,'' Gambill said. ``But the difference this time is (that) I'm not tired. I feel great. I think I'll be ready today.'' --Bad sun: Gambill said the mid-day sun on one side of Straus Stadium can be brutal but only between 1 and 3 p.m. Well, that is precisely the time he's scheduled to play Roddick today. And, if he wins, the final Sunday also begins at 1 p.m. --Beam him up: Gambill listed William Shatner <noinclude></noinclude> William Alan Shatner (born on March 22, 1931) is a Canadian actor who gained fame for playing Captain James Tiberius Kirk, captain of the starship USS Enterprise as his favorite actor in the ATP ATP: see adenosine triphosphate. ATP in full adenosine triphosphate Organic compound, substrate in many enzyme-catalyzed reactions (see catalysis) in the cells of animals, plants, and microorganisms. Media Guide. Gambill also seems to be Shatner's favorite tennis player. He has been in attendance for two of Gambill's three matches. Gambill listed ``Star Trek  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled due to vandalism. II'' as his favorite film and
said he would love to audition for a role in the Star Trek series.
``I think I'd need to get some acting lessons first,'' Gambill said. ``But it would be a dream come true.'' --Serena showing: Women's No. 1 player and Wimbledon champion Serena Williams Serena Jameka Williams, (born September 26, 1981) is an American former World No. 1 ranked female tennis player who has won eight Grand Slam singles titles and an Olympic gold medal in women's doubles.[1]. was in the stands watching Friday night's match between Andre Agassi and Gustavo Kuerten. Williams plays in the area at the Chase Open in Manhattan Beach beginning August 5. --Tickets and television: There are a limited number of tickets available for today's semifinal and Sunday's final. Tickets are available at the event or by calling (310) 825-2101. All of today's and Sunday's singles matches will be televised live on Fox Sports Net. CAPTION(S): photo Photo: JAN-MICHAEL GAMBILL The American plays against Andy Roddick today. |
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