Youz typically salutes the crowd after a win, but this time it’s my turn to give the Youz a salute and an official nickname (“The Iron Commander”.) A high honour in MTR land… or something. Sure, the guy only turns 28 this year and was at his highest ranking in January of 2008. But at the same time, the guy has only ever made one slam semi (USO 06), never won a Masters tournament and only won one 500 event. But the guy was just injured, and despite seeds falling left and right, he continues to toughen things to reach the semis of Dubai with a win over Janko 3 and 4. Not to mention the guy seemed to be one of the few winning constants in the smaller, later tournaments of last year.

And yes, it’s been a hell of a week for the seeds in Dubai. Meaning they’re either hurt (Kolya), hurting inside (Muzz – sadness, Jo – tummy), or just don’t give a damn (Nole?).

Marin lost to Melzer today in straights, who also beat T-Rob in the second round. And in the second round, Janko beat Muzz in 3, Old Man Ljubs beat Jo in straights, and Kolya retired a set down with wrist problems. Yo man, a buddy of mine is having the same problem. The wrist thing. You might have heard of him. Give him a ring. Oh, and Nole is down a set to another sort of Ironman, Old Man Ljubs.