By Tennis Now | Saturday, September 22, 2018
Qualifier Matthias Bachinger toppled top-seeded Kei Nishikori, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, rallying into his first ATP final in Metz.
Photo credit: Moselle Open Facebook
Matthias Bachinger raised a clenched fist and offered a small smile celebrating a jolting knock-out.
The 31-year-old qualifier played the match of his life toppling top-seeded Kei Nishikori, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5, advancing to his first career ATP final in Metz.
Laver Cup: View From Nosebleed Seats
It's been a rousing run for the world No. 166, who arrived in Metz with one ATP main-draw victory on the season. and has reeled off six victories this week.
This match was a rematch of their Halle clash on grass, which Nishikori won, 6-3, 7-6 (3).
That loss infused Bachinger with the confidence he could win the rematch. Bachinger blasted 13 aces against one double fault and denied seven of nine break points.
Bachinger will play Gilles Simon in tomorrow's final.
The 33-year-old Frenchman swept Radu Albot, 6-3, 6-1, in today's first semifinal.
A two-time Metz champion, Simon is playing for his 14th career title.
The 2010 and 2013 champion broke Albot four times and did not face a break point in a comprehensive 77-minute triumph. Simon raised his career Metz record to 19-7.