The former world number three, Ivan Ljubicic defeated Juan Monaco 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Indian Wells.

31 year old, now ranked 26th in the world, scattered 11 aces through the one hour, 47 minute contest on Thursday, finishing it off with three service winners.

“It doesn't matter how old are you, it's all about motivation,” said the former World No. 3. “For me, it's much easier than it was in 2007. That was a really difficult year for me mentally. It was very, very hard. So I feel really motivated now, nothing to prove to anybody. I just feel like I'm playing for myself again as I was doing at beginning of my career, and I'm enjoying every good result that I do.”


“The conditions suits my game perfectly,” he said. “It's nice and dry. The ball goes through the air pretty quickly. The court is slow enough so I can return well, as well. It's just perfect… Since 2004 I haven't lost on outside courts and played at least fourth round since then. So it's definitely the favorite place for me to play matches, of course.”

In the semi-finals Ljubicic will face defending champion and third seed Rafael Nadal who defeated Tomas Berdych 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

Ljubicic, who will next take the court Saturday, said: “I got a phone call from my brother just after match. He said that Croatian time zone I finish just like couple seconds before birthday, so it's fantastic. It's a great win and a great present to have day off, actually, just before semi-finals. It's a great feeling.”


(photo/Getty Images)

Ivan Ljubicic defeats Juan Monaco to set up semi-final with Rafael Nadal