ISMANING, October 20, 2018

Two first-time finalists on the ATP Challenger Tour will square off in Sunday’s singles title match of the WOLFFKRAN Open. Filippo Baldi of Italy will take on Gleb Sakharov of France for the trophy of the €43,000 indoor-carpet-event in Ismaning.

Filippo Baldi – photo: Juergen Hasenkopf

In his third semi-final of the season, Baldi upset Frenchman Ugo Humbert, the tournament’s No. 2 and last seeded player left in the singles draw. The World No. 239 from Italy saved six of the seven break points he faced, converting three of his own to secure a 6-4, 7-5 victory in one hour and 40 minutes.

“I focused on my game, which was key today. Tomorrow it will be my first final and I just have to continue like this,” Baldi told Tennis TourTalk aftewards.

Later on Saturday afternoon, Sakharov ended the run of German qualifier Johannes Haerteis, winning 6-4, 6-2. The 30-year-old Nantes resident was in control of the encounter, sending down six aces to advance in one hour and 10 minutes.

“To reach my first Challenger is definitely something special for me,” Sakharov was pleased. “The serve is very important on this surface. It’s my first time on carpet this season, so I didn’t really know what to expect but you need to capitalize on your chances. I am very happy with my performance.”

The pair will meet for the second time. Baldi won the previous meeting on clay in Helsinki this year in straight sets.