Novak and Kuerten chase fresh win
AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- Former champions Jiri Novak and Gustavo Kuerten looked intent on repeating history as both advanced into the semifinals in Auckland.
Novak, who made the event his first career title with a win in 1996, advanced over Dutchman Raemon Sluiter, recovering from a lost-cause opening set to win 4-6 6-4 6-4.
Holder Kuerten, Brazil's three-time Roland Garros winner, moved ahead at the expense of American fifth seed Vince Spadea 6-2 7-6 in a match delayed by the weather.
Another former winner, Slovak Dominik Hrbaty, who triumphed in 2001, held a lead over German surprise packet Philipp Kohlschreiber, a qualifier, 6-1 3-6 1-0.
Rain halted that match in the deciding set with the conclusion set for Friday.
Teenaged Spaniard Rafael Nadal got through the easy way as Frenchman Gregory Carraz quit after three games with a strained thigh.
Nadal is now into his second ATP semifinal. "I'm playing like my life depends on it," said the 17-year-old. "I'm trying to play aggressive, it's tough to win with doing that."
In Friday's semifinals, Nadal takes on Czech journeyman Novak, while Kuerten must await a winner from either Hrbaty or Kohlschreiber.
