ESTORIL, May 6, 2017
Three of the top four seeds headlined Saturday’s semi-final action at the Millennium Estoril Open. Top ranked Pablo Carreno Busta emerged victorious from the all-Spanish-encounter with fourth favourite David Ferrer, winning 6-3, 6-3.
Pablo Carreno Busta – photo: Millennium Estoril Open
Carreno Busta saved the only break point he faced, converting three of his own to pick up his 21st win in 2017 after one hour and 21 minutes.
“I am very happy with my performance today. I played a very nice and complete match with good quality serve, dominating most of the rallies. I am happy to be in the final,” Carreno Busta told.
“I defeated three Spanish players en route to the final, competing on their favourite surface. I gained all of the victories in straight sets. I am very pleased with the week so far.”
Carreno Busta will take on third seed Gilles Muller on Sunday. The 33-year-old from Luxembourg, who captured his first ATP World Tour title in Sydney earlier this season, edged past South African Kevin Anderson, winning 7-5, 6-4.
Muller sent down eight aces and won 51 per cent of the total points played to reach his maiden ATP clay court final after one hour and 38 minutes.
“I had some good results. The first title was something special. I was waiting for that a long time. That was a big moment,”Muller said but added: “To be honest, I played better last year and I am still looking for my tennis of 2016. It hasn’t happen so far but I am happy with the results and will not complain about it.
“Talking about this week. I played well in the important moments. I had set points against me today and it could have gone the other way. Sometimes you need moments like that where you are with your back against the wall and then when you get out of that you are full of confidence.”
Muller and Carreno Busta will meet for the third time with their head-to-head record tied at 1-1. The Spaniard won the last encounter here in Estoril two years ago in straight sets.
