RECANATI, July 9, 2017

Fifth seed Mirza Basic and Croatian qualifier Viktor Galovic will compete in Sunday’s singles final of the €43,000 Guzzini Challenger, held on hard courts in Recanati.

Basic battled past the tournament’s number one Luca Vanni of Italy in Saturday’s semi-final, rallying 6-7, 7-6, 7-6. The 25-year-old from Bosnia and Herzegovina withstood 22 aces, hitting nine of his own to prevail in three hours and three minutes.

Galovic knocked out seventh favourite Salvatore Caruso from Italy, winning 6-3, 6-3. The World No. 491 saved the only break point he faced, converting three of his own to secure victory in one hour and 17 minutes. He will appear in his first ATP Challenger title match.

“I was able to prepare well this year,” told Galovic, who has been living in Italy for several years. “I found people who wanted to invest in me and I’m trying to repay their trust. I have played a decent tournament so far, technically as well as mentally. Confidence is growing with every win and then it becomes easier. “

Galovic won the only previous meeting between the two finalists at an ITF Pro Circuit clay court event in Italy five years ago. Basic eyes winning his second ATP Challenger title of the season following his triumph in Guadalajara. Galovic could clinch his maiden trophy at Challenger level.

Earlier in the day, Frenchmen Jonathan Eysseric and Quentin Halys took the doubles title with a 6-7, 6-4, 12-10 win over the all-Italian-combination of Julian Ocleppo and Andrea Vavassori. The final lasted one hour and 30 minutes.