London - Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero earned his first career semi-final on grass with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 fightback over Belgian Steve Darcis Friday as the surprises continued at the Queen's club event.

Following the elimination of third seed Gilles Simon, the 29-year-old Spaniard, whose off-court interests include a successful hotel, has suddenly come alive on the lawns in the twilight of a career.

The man who topped the ATP rankings in 2003 after winning the French Open and then playing the US Open final will face off Saturday against the winner from top seed Andy Murray and American Mardy Fish.

"I feel like I'm playing well," said the number 90, who has played grass quarters at Wimbledon two years ago and in the Netherlands and Germany during the Wimbledon warm-up period.

Ferrero won his first title since 2003 in April on clay in Casablanca.

"Even in the first set, I felt good, I was hitting the ball well. I'm happy to keep going here. It is great to finally reach a semi-final on grass."

Ferrero out-aced Darcis nine to eight, with the veteran Spaniard breaking four times and dropping his own serve once. The first set was the first Ferrero had lost all week in west London. (dpa)