Kratochvil through to Shanghai finals
Switzerland's Michel Kratochvil is through to his first ever ATP final, after beating Denmark's Kenneth Carlsen 6:2, 6:4 in the semi-finals of the Shanghai tournament.
It took the Bernese player less than one-and-a-half hours to beat his 260-ranked Danish opponent, who has recently returned to the tennis circuit after a one year break.
Switzerland’s 22-year-old Davis Cup player broke the Dane’s serve no less than four times before securing his convincing win.
Carlsen was ranked 41 eight years ago but was forced to take a break from the game because of an injury.
Kratochvil, who is ranked 65, but is third favourite to win the $400,000 dollar Shanghai tournament, will now face Germany’s Rainer Schüttler in the final on Sunday.
Schüttler qualified after beating Spain’s Fransisco Clavet 6:4, 1:6, 6:3 and Sunday marks his fourth ATP final.
Unfazed by his opponent, Kratochvil had kind words after Saturday’s semi-finals.
“I know him better off the court than on. He’s a good friend of mine and no matter what happens in the final we’ll be celebrating together.”
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