Tsitsipas sets up final clash with Auger-Aliassime at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

DUBAI: Stefanos Tsitsipas will compete in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships for a third time in four appearances after easing past Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 on Friday.

The World No. 11, in what will be his 30th career final, will face the ATP Tour’s most in-form player, Felix Auger-Aliassime, after the Canadian defeated qualifier Quentin Halys earlier in the day.

Saturday night’s trophy match represents a first outdoor hardcourt final in 18 months for Tsitsipas, who is seeking a maiden title in the emirate after finishing runner-up against both Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in 2019 and 2020 respectively. This week, having eased past Lorenzo Sonego in the first round, he needed three sets against both Karen Khachanov and Matteo Berrettini, with both ties going late into the night. Tsitsipas was grateful to wrap up his semifinal with Griekspoor in just one hour and 23 minutes.

“Finally, I can have an early night, a good night’s sleep, and not have to go to bed at two o’clock in the morning,” said the Greek No. 4 seed, who is hunting a 12th ATP title. “I’m extremely happy to play good tennis from beginning to end. My focus levels were at the highest they have been this week.

“It was a well-balanced game from my side and I felt I didn’t get into the same drama I got in the previous matches where I was in kind of control and suddenly the coin flipped. I felt like I was leading the game, which felt good; I played the tennis that I deserved.”

The former World No. 3, Tsitsipas was nearly flawless on serve in the opening set, hitting four aces and looking more at ease than in previous matches. At three games apiece, he glimpsed his first real opportunity to seize control, carving out