Guido Pella tamed tempestuous elements and a dangerous Dominic Thiem to reach his first ATP final at the Rio Open.
The 71st-ranked Pella stormed through the first set, withstood a 65-minute rain delay in the early stages of the second and broke serve in the final game snapping Thiem's eight-match winning streak with a 6-1, 6-4 victory.
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The 25-year-old Argentine has made the most of second life in Rio. Pella saved three match points subduing fourth-seeded John Isner in the opening round, 7-6 (5), 5-7, 7-6 (8), on Monday.
Pella will play either top-seeded Rafael Nadal or 45th-ranked Pablo Cuevas in Sunday's final.
Aggressive court positioning, his whipping left-handed forehand and the concentration to withstand whipping winds and showers helped Pella take charge at the outset. Pella served 76 percent and saved all five break points he faced in the first set.
Thiem thumped an ace to hold for 1-all in second set. After 42 minutes of play skies opened and showers poured down, suspending play for 65 minutes.
Rain was still spitting down after play resumed and Pella held for 2-1. He broke serve in the final game to seal his first trip to an ATP final.
Photo credit: Rio Open