Gimeno-Traver sets up Klizan final

Nicholas McGee

Gimeno-Traver sets up Klizan final image

Daniel Gimeno-Traver shocked Jiri Vesely to reach his first ATP tour final with victory in the Grand Prix Hassan II semi-final.

The 29-year-old Spaniard produced an impressive display of resilience to fight back from a set down and overcome the third seed 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-4.

"It was a difficult match," said Gimeno-Traver. "Maybe I was a bit too much on defence during the first set, but then I started to play more aggressively, and I felt well during all my service games. I'm very happy to reach my first final here in Casablanca."

And Gimeno-Traver will need to deliver a similar display if he is to claim a maiden tour title, with second seed Martin Klizan standing in his way.

The Slovakian also needed to come from behind to ensure his place in the showpiece, rallying brilliantly from a set and a break down in the second to progress 4-6 6-4 6-0 against Bosnian Damir Dzumhur.

"Damir played very well today," Klizan said. "It was a tough match. I think that I was mentally stronger in the third set, and I'm extremely happy to be in the final."

 

Nicholas McGee