Bergs downs Opelka as Diallo upsets Humbert
Zizou Bergs will play Gabriel Diallo for the title at the Libema Open in Netherlands after both moved through their rain-affected semi-final clashes with straight set wins.
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Bergs defeated Reilly Opelka, who upset No.1 seed Daniil Medvedev to reach the last four, toppling the big-serving American with a 6-1 6-4 thrashing.
Diallo, meanwhile, caused an upset of his own with a defeat of No.2 seed Ugo Humbert, whom he beat 6-3 7-6 (7-4).
Bergs completely Opelka from the outset in their clash, converting three of seven break points against his vaunted serve.
“There is not much to do against Reilly except keep the pressure high, make sure you return those serves and somehow I saw the ball really big today, like a balloon,” Bergs said after his win.
“So I could anticipate really well receiving those bombs and putting something towards them. I served well, returned well, managed the match well, so I’m really happy.”
Diallo was arguably more impressive in his win against the last remaining favourite, Humbert, and is the first Canadian to reach the final in the tournament's history.
He relied heavily on his serve, winning 83 per cent of his first-serve points, and victory will help him move inside the top 50 in the world rankings when he rises to No.46 on Monday.
Bergs and Diallo have met once before, when Diallo won on the clay in Madrid, but this final on grass will provide a different challenge for both.