News / Sports / News Bulletin

Klizan beats Mahut to reach ATP final in Rotterdam

Sunday, 14 February 2016 7:24 AM [ Last Update: Sunday, 14 February 2016 7:33 AM ]

Martin Klizan of Slovakia reacts during his match against Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain in the quarterfinals of the ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on February 12, 2016. ©AFP

Slovakia's Martin Klizan has recovered from a set down to beat Frenchman Nicolas Mahut 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 in the semifinals of the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

Klizan who saved 5 match points against Roberto Bautista in the quarters, staged another strong performance on Saturday and saved 3 more match points before closing out the match with dominance.

The win sees the world No.43 reach his 1st indoors final since 2012. Klizan who finished with 45 winners during the semis, has won all 3 of his previous ATP Tour finals. He'll next face Frenchman Gael Monfils for the title.

“It was an incredible moment,” Klizan said. “I will remember this tournament until the day I die.

“I never thought I could win, because Nicolas was playing great tennis. Maybe I was lucky, but I tried to fight until the last point. I think the crowd enjoyed the show.”

French player Gael Monfils returns the ball to French player Edouard Roger-Vasselin during a tennis match at the Open Sud de France ATP World Tour in Montpellier, southern France, on February 3, 2016. ©AFP

Meanwhile, the Frenchman himself cruised to the final, following a straight-sets win over Germany's Philipp Kohlschreiber.

Monfils grabbed a crucial break of serve to take a 5-3 lead, before serving out the opening set to love. The Frenchman carried the momentum into the 2nd set as well, and moved into a comfortable 6-3, 6-2 victory in just 77 minutes.

The 18th-ranked player will have to overcome his poor record in Tournament Finals when he faces Kilzan on Sunday. The 2 have faced each other just once, and that was back in 2007 when Monfils prevailed over the Slovakian, winning in straight sets.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

Sport