By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday February 25, 2022
Jiri Vesely edged Denis Shapovalov in three tight sets to reach the Dubai final.
Photo Source: TTV
Jiri Vesely’s dream week continues in Dubai. The World No.123 backed up his stunning upset of Novak Djokovic on Thursday with a three-set takedown of Canada’s Denis Shapovalov, 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 7-6(3).
The Czech becomes the lowest-ranked finalist in Dubai history.
He needed three hours and a bit of nerves from Shapovalov to get it done, but when the Canadian faltered, as he did while serving for the match at 5-4 in the third, Vesely was there.
The Czech says he is helped by his ability to rise up against top players, and the fast-playing courts in Dubai.
"I think it's a bit of my signature, I would say. I'm able to beat amazing players also in the past," he said. "Unfortunately also able to lose guys 200, 300. Sometimes I'm my biggest opponent."
He has earned three straight Top-20 wins at Dubai to bring his career total to 13.
The 28-year-old former World No.35 will face Andrey Rublev for the title on Saturday. He had never won a main draw match before at Dubai, but says the courts have always been suited to him.
“The courts are very fast. I think it fits my game pretty well,” he said. “Overall I played here many times, lost in the first rounds always. I think I had my weapons. I think I had always the shots to beat these guys. Of course, not beat them all the time, but from time to time. I was always playing close matches with them.