Llodra became the first man to break Karlovic's serve this week

After all eight seeds departed before the quarter-finals, Karlovic was the highest-ranked player left in the draw.

But Llodra, looking to add to the Adelaide title he won in January, beat the big-serving Croat 7-5 7-6 (7-4).

Swede Robin Soderling thrashed Gilles Simon of France 6-1 6-2 in the second semi-final in Rotterdam.

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"When I saw the draw, I thought I'd be lucky to win two matches. Now I'm into the final," said Llodra.

"You always know it will be a difficult match againt Ivo and his serve. It turns on one or two points.