Angles & Dropshots- Sunday, February 19, 2006
Joel Drucker

The singles winner today takes home $52,000.  The winning doubles team will split $16,350. 

In the first doubles semifinal of the day in San Jose, the all-American squad of Paul Goldstein and Jim Thomas advanced to their second ATP final together as they defeated top seeds Simon Aspelin and Todd Perry 6-3, 6-7(4), 10-3 (Match TB).

Goldstein will be looking to win his first career ATP doubles title after runner-up efforts in Brighton, England (w/Thomas) in 2000 and in San Jose (w/Kendrick) in 2003. Thomas, who came into San Jose with an 0-4 record this season, advanced to his ninth career ATP final (4-4).

Former Stanford stars Paul Goldstein and Jim Thomas are trying to become the first Cardinal doubles winners here since Patrick McEnroe and Jim Grabb took the title in 1995.  “There’s definitely a bond among Stanford guys,” said Goldstein following he and Thomas’ semifinal win. 

Andy Murray is trying to become the first British player to win this tournament since Greg Rusedski won here in 2001.  Before that, a long time: Fred Perry’s victory in 1934.  Murray is also the youngest finalist here since Michael Chang in 1988.  That was Chang’s first ATP title.   

So in the wake of Roddick’s loss last night, Tony Trabert remains the last three-peater here, turning the hat trick in 1953-’55. 

Hewitt’s gunning to be the first Aussie to win here twice since Mark Philippoussis won back-to-back titles in 1999 and 2000.  John McEnroe’s doubles record at this event is now 39-2.  Today he’s playing his 101^st ATP doubles final (77-23).  McEnroe on the key to his success this week: “I’ve worked at it, kept myself in good shape, and wanted to show the guys I could compete.  I felt I’ve known all along I could, but it was nice to see I could do it.”  

Unless Lleyton Hewitt serves 36 aces tonight, or Andy Murray strikes 48, neither will top Wayne Arthurs’ week-leading feat of 67 aces in three matches.

Attendance through Saturday: 66,354.