Yet another comeback for Puerta on his way to the final

Yet another comeback for Puerta on his way to the final
By JEROME PUGMIRE, AP Sports
WriterJune 3, 2005

PARIS (AP) -- Accustomed to comebacks, Mariano Puerta staged another one in the French Open semifinals on Friday.
The unseeded left-hander from Argentina rallied from a 4-2 deficit in the final set to beat Nikolay Davydenko of Russia 6-3, 5-7, 2-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Puerta has climbed to 37th in the rankings from 440th last August. And now, playing in his first major event since serving a nine-month doping suspension, he has reached the first Grand Slam final in his nine-year career.
Puerta's opponent on Sunday will be Spaniard Rafael Nadal, who beat top-ranked Roger Federer 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
``I had two years when I was almost out of the circuit,'' Puerta said. ``I can't believe that on Sunday I'm going to play the final of Roland Garros. I don't even know how to explain that.''
Puerta's suspension began in October 2003 after he tested positive for clenbuterol, a drug whose effects resemble those of anabolic steroids by promoting muscle growth. An investigative panel determined a doctor prescribed the drug to Puerta to treat asthma.
Now, at 26, he's playing the best tennis of his life.
``I work really hard, six, seven hours a day. I don't stop. Sunday also,'' Puerta said. ``When I came back, I was prepared for very tough moments, to play anywhere. I was ready to sacrifice. I never complained about anything. I was humble and prepared to overcome any barrier.''
Puerta gives Roland Garros an unseeded men's finalist for the third year in a row. Last year, unseeded Argentine compatriot Gaston Gaudio won the title. Dutchman Martin Verkerk was runner-up in 2003.
Puerta's rally in the semifinals was assisted by Davydenko, who was pessimistic even before taking a late lead.
``At the start of the fifth set I was thinking I would lose, feeling I have no chance to beat him,'' Davydenko said. ``I was losing from the baseline, losing control of games, losing every time.''
The Russian made no excuses for losing the final four games.
``I had no match point. I had problems all the time,'' Davydenko said. ``I was losing, losing, losing, losing. Like from 100 percent to zero. I cannot do anything. He just make topspin, forehand, backhand. For me ... nothing.''
Davydenko, a wiry athlete with good technique, was faster around the court and had the better serve. He served 11 aces and three double-faults to one ace and nine double-faults for Puerta.
``It's not enough,'' a somber Davydenko said.
Puerta's mood was understandably much lighter.
``I'm in paradise,'' he said. ``I'm the happiest man on earth right now.''