By Tennis Now | Saturday, October 20, 2018
Ernests Gulbis broke serve three times toppling top-seeded John Isner, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, to reach his first ATP final in four years at the Stockholm Open.
Photo credit: Intrum Stockholm Open
Ernests Gulbis withstood an imperfect start and will now put his perfect finals record on the line.
An inspired Gulbis broke serve three times toppling top-seeded John Isner, 1-6, 6-3, 6-3, to reach his first ATP final in four years at the Stockholm Open.
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The 145th-ranked Gulbis, who owns a perfect 6-0 record in ATP finals, is bidding for his first Tour-level title since he defeated Federico Delbonis to win the 2014 Nice championship.
The 30-year-old Latvian is the first qualifier to reach the Stockholm final since Jarkko Nieminen, who lost to Sjeng Schalken in the 2001 final.
Gulbis will face Stefanos Tsitsipas in tomorrow's final.
The 20-year-old Tsitsipas powered into his third final of the season dismissing Fabio Fognini, 6-3, 6-2.
The rising Greek star served 75 percent, won 74 percent of his first serve points and denied all four break points he faced in a 76-minute conquest.
Tsitsipas, who was runner-up to world No. 1 Rafael Nadal in both the Barcelona and Toronto finals earlier this season, is playing for his first career ATP title.
"It means a lot," Tsitsipas said. "I'm very happy Rafa is not playing in this tournament otherwise I would have to face him for the third time this year. All the players here are great so I have to respect every single one of them. It doesn't really matter who I will be facing tomorrow.
"I just need to continue playing this week and have the fans supporting me the way they've been supporting me all this week."