A good run continues for Paulo in Brisbane when he booked his semi finals spot on Thursday night. Paulo won the Nick Bollettieri alumni showdown against Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4. The Japanese appeared to have a physical problem and called for the trainer in the second set. Paulo stayed focused and won his third consecutive matches without dropping a set in 2009. He will play Fernando Verdasco for a place in the final.

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