By Chris Oddo | Saturday May 5, 2018
Malek Jaziri and Taro Daniel will square off in the Istanbul Open final--each is bidding for a first career title.
Photo Source: Koza World of Sports
Malek Jaziri reaching his first career final at 34 years of age? Just another emotional accomplishment in the tennis year that is seemingly chock full of them.
In February Jaziri became the lowest-ranked semifinalist in Dubai history (where he also reached his first 500-level semifinal) but the Tunisian has outdone himself this week at the TEB BNP Paribas Istanbul Open by reaching his first career title match from four semifinals.
Jaziri ousted Laslo Djere of Serbia, 6-3, 6-2, to set up a final with Taro Daniel. Daniel, Japan’s World No.114, edged Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 to reach his first ATP title match as well.
The 25-year-old Daniel has never faced Jaziri at tour-level.
Jaziri improved to 15-8 at tour-level this season. He matched his career-best win when he took out No.4-ranked Marin Cilic in the second round. It was his second top 10 win of the season. Jaziri has now won two of three against the top 10 after losing his first 10 against that level of competition.