NEW YORK - Former University of Illinois star Rajeev Ram defeated Scott Oudsema 6-2, 7-6 (4) Friday to reach the semifinals of the Forest Hills Grass Court Classic.Ram, who teamed with Brian Wilson to win the doubles title when the lIlini took their first NCAA championship two years ago, will face Indian Davis Cup player Prakash Amritraj in the semifinals.
"I was very sharp in the first set," Ram said. "In the second, I had a tougher time. Twice, I saved set points when I trailed 4-5.
"That got me going again. I'll have to be ready for Prakash, whom I know very well. He is extremely aggressive."
Amritraj rallied for a 6-7 (4), 6-3, 6-3 victory over Rik DeVoest of South Africa.
In the other half of the draw, Frederic Niemeyer of Canada upset No. 2 Daniele Bracciali of Italy 7-6 (5), 6-2, while Nathan Healey of Australia beat No. 4 Bobby Reynolds 6-4, 7-6 (5).
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