This solo singles thing isn't turning out too bad after all.

Camarillo's Bob Bryan continued his run through the ATP Miller Lite Hall of Fame Championships at Newport, R.I., with a 6-4, 6-3 quarterfinal victory over Frenchman Cyril Saulnier on Thursday.

Bryan will be making his first career ATP semifinal singles appearance on Saturday. With rain wreaking havoc with the schedule, Bryan's opponent will not be determined until after today's matches are complete.

"It is always easier to focus one event than two. It is great to just play singles and get some rest instead of staying out there all day," said Bryan, a wild card entry who is ranked No. 197 in the ATP Champions Race. "My body can recover and give me that extra edge."

Bob and identical twin brother Mike, the two-time defending champions, had to pull out of doubles because of a nagging rib injury that Mike suffered in mixed doubles at Wimbledon. Mike flew home to Camarillo on Wednesday for treatment and rest.

"I can do without Mike for one week. I see him every day, so I don't miss him yet," said Bryan. "I did call him right after the match. I wanted to tell him first off."

The hard-serving lefty had little trouble dispatching Saulnier, finishing him off in less than an hour.

"I served really good. Lights out. The ball was bouncing really well on the courts and helping my slice serve," said Bryan. "He played a few loose points on his serve and I was able to get the break in each set. I didn't feel a lot of pressure because I was serving well and was able to focus on his serve."

The draw has opened up for Bryan with No. 3 Mardy Fish having fallen in the first round. Robby Ginepri, the fourth seed, is the highest seed remaining.

"Every match I have played I felt like I should win all those matches. I haven't run up against Agassi or Sampras or any of those guys like I usually have to play," said Bryan. "My chance is as good as anyone now. The others keep dropping like flies."

Least anyone forget, Bryan isn't exactly a singles novice. While a sophomore at Stanford in 1998 he captured the NCAA singles title as part of his triple crown performance, and he was ranked No. 1 in the nation in the boys' 18s in 1996.

"It is really not surprising to me. All the Americans that are doing well, I have beaten every one of them. They have just put in more time on the singles court than I have which is fine because I made that choice to focus on doubles," said Bryan. "I think my singles game has been improving and has matured just by playing doubles. I am happy that I made it this far, but it's not like I am satisfied."