Hubert Hurkacz (POL) and Ilya Ivashka (BLR) will battle it out for the East Hotel Canberra Challenger title on Saturday after both players posted impressive semifinal victories.
Second seed and world No.88 Hurkacz was in commanding form in defeating former world No.35 and third seed Jiri Vesely, 6-3 6-1. Hurkacz is yet to drop a set in his four matches with the 21-year-old pleased to be through to the title match.
“I’m very happy to be in final here in Canberra, it was a very tough match today and I’m happy with the way I played.
“This win gives me a lot of confidence, Jiri is a great player so winning against him, especially in this way for sure gives me confidence.”
In the second semifinal former top 100 player Renzo Olivo (ARG) faced fourth seed and world No.94 Ilya Ivashka.
Ivashka dominated the match from the outset, claiming a 6-1 6-3 win to move through to the final.
“It was a good match today and I’m really happy with my performance my last three matches here and I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s final.”
After just scraping through his opening round against local James Frawley in a third set tiebreak, the 24-year-old has dominated, dropping just 11 games in three matches.
The victory sets up a rematch with Hurkacz with the pair playing in the opening round of the Tata Open Maharashtra, in India last week. Ivashka won the match 6-7(9) 6-2 6-3 and is prepared for another tough match in the final.
“Every match is different. Last week the match was good, we both played well. Tomorrow is another match and I will try and do my best and to play my tennis”.
The men’s singles final is set to commence, not before 11am. The doubles match between Andre Goransson (SWE) / Sem Verbeek (NED) and Ariel Behar (URU) and Geoffrey Blancaneaux (FRA) will resume at 6-1 1-2 at 10am on Saturday. The doubles final, will then follow the singles final.
Entry is by gold coin donation, or a limited amount of reserved seats are available at www.tennis.com.au/act/tickets
Local food and beverage vendors will be on site including The Meat Wizard, Super Bao, Bentspoke Brewery and the Pizza Trailer, along with the NK Foundation.
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