Daniil Medvedev Australian qualifier James Duckworth advanced to the Almaty Open final 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday.
The Russian’s score of 40 ranks second among active finalists behind Novak Djokovic’s 143.
He was unable to convert two set points in the first-set tiebreak, but turned the tables with some crisp and efficient tennis in the second and third sets.
Medvedev broke serve for the first time in the sixth game of the second set, then broke in the first and seventh games of the third set to distance himself from the 33-year-old.
“I thought the level today was unbelievable, both for me and my opponent,” the 29-year-old said. “There were moments in the tie-break where I could have played better, but that happens. Throughout the match I thought we both achieved some amazing results, so I’m really happy with my performance and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The former world number one will face either Alex Michelsen or Corentin Moutet in the final as he bids for his 21st ATP title and his first since the spring of 2023.
