Tallon Griekspoor came from behind to upset top seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to claim his maiden top 10 victory and in process reach the final of the Citi Open.
Chasing the third title of the season, the Dutchman has secured a career-high #25 ranking and will play Daniel Evans for the another 500 points in the final; the Brit defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the second semi of the Saturday night.
Registering his debut in the American capital, Griekspoor, converted one break in the second set and two breaks in the third against Fritz who held 80 of 82 service games before entering the semifinal.
“The first Top 10 win was something I was really looking for. To beat Taylor playing at home is pretty special,” Griekspoor said.
“It’s a pretty nice start to the American swing and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.”
“My serve is going really well this week; it’s getting some pace, whether it’s during the day or during the night. I’m moving great and the body is great, so there’s not much to complain about,” he added.
The venom in the Dutchman’s shot was telling as he delivered 40 winners to Fritz’s 30 including 13 aces. Also, dominating form baseline he won 47 pts, 13 more than Atlanta Open titlist’s 34.
Remaining clutch, the 27-year old showed consistency in his game as he finished strong to claim 20 of last 27 points while winning five games in a row from 1-2 in the third set.
Upon winning the title, the Dutch star will move to #21 in ATP ranks to build further on his successful season. Griekspoor won 27 matches this season – 10 more than his 2022 campaign – and two titles in ‘s-Hertogenbosch and Pune.
Bidding to win his third title of the year, here is what Griekspoor said about his banner season:
“Winning two 250s, especially one at home, is something you dream of. Playing semis of a 500 at home in Rotterdam and now the final here, it’s all coming together this season. I’ve been working hard and it’s coming together.
Meanwhile, Evans kept his cool and remained patient to complete his three-set win over Bulgarian as he kept asking the question to latter who didn’t answer well as he committed 30 unforced errors to Brit’s 10.
While the Dimitrov celebrated a walkover, Evans old had to complete double duty by as he came over local favorite Frances Tiafoe in a grueling schedule.
“It was so hard after yesterday putting in such a big effort. Coming back today it was really important to not roll over and have a bad performance,” Evans said. “The last few months that has happened a little bit. I’m really proud I could do that today. One more to go.
“Physically I was tired, although more sleepy than anything as it’s tough to sleep after such a late night. But we got to America early; we were in Bradenton a lot and my trainer helped me get in good shape after a poor Wimbledon. It makes you feel good at these times to be confident in your body when you can play two matches and come back today.”
The 33-year old is the first British finalist in Washington since Andy Murray reached the final showdown in 2006. He is chasing his second ATP Tour title after cementing Melbourne-2 in 2021.