TIBURON, September 29, 2019

Tensions were high on Saturday at the Tiburon Peninsula Club, as top players vied for spots in Sunday’s final matches of the First Republic Tiburon Challenger and enthralled spectators in the process. Tommy Paul from the United States defeated No. 4 seed Emilio Gomez of Ecuador 6-1, 7-6(5).

The top seed of the hard-court event converted six of his 10 break point opportunities to advance in one hour and 18 minutes.

Earlier in the day, Thanasi Kokkinakis came back from a set down to overcome US-American Thai-Son Kwiatkowski 2-6, 6-2, 6-1. The eighth seed from Australia sent down eight aces and won 81 per cent of his first-service points to secure victory in one hour and 40 minutes.

Paul and Kokkinakis will meet for the first time. Paul is seeking his third ATP Challenger title of the season following his triumphs on home soil in Sarasota and New Haven. Kokkinakis could lift his fourth career trophy, his first of the season. The winner will earn 100 ATP Ranking points.

Robert Galloway from the United States and Roberto Maytin of Venezuela will face US-American JC Aragone and 2016 Tiburon Challenger champion Darian King from Barbados in the doubles final.