Henman loses in Qatar semis

DOHA, Qatar, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- Ivan Ljubicic rallied past seventh seed Tim Henman, 7-6 (7-2), 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), Friday to reach the final of the season-opening Qatar Open.

Ljubicic stopped Henman from advancing to his third final here, breaking the Englishman's nine-match winning streak. Instead, the hard-serving Croatian, who appeared in four semifinals here, will look to capture his second career title in as many finals.

"I have to be honest, I didn't feel like the better player, but one player has to win," Ljubicic said.

Ljubicic will face French wild card Nicolas Escude, who upended eighth seed Agustin Calleri, 6-2, 6-3, to advance to his sixth career final.

Escude, who has won three titles, is playing his first tournament since Wimbledon due to a hip injury. He is 2-0 lifetime against Ljubicic.