PULLACH, August 11, 2018

Jan-Lennard Struff and Pedro Sousa will square off in Sunday’s singles final of the inaugural Isar Open. The top seed from Germany edged past reigning Kitzbühel champion Martin Klizan 6-4, 6-4.

Struff struck seven aces, winning 78 per cent of his first service points to advance in one hour and 19 minutes.

“Many thanks for the support. That’s what I needed today,” Struff told during his on-court interview. “Martin is a great player, who won six ATP-titles. I knew that I had to be agreessive today. I served well, which was key to success today.”

Sousa cruises through three sets

Sousa emerged victorious from a topsy-turvy three-setter against German qualifier Kevin Krawietz, who appeared in his only second semi-final at ATP Challenger level. The 30-year-old from Portugal capitalized on five of his seven break point chances to prevail in only 63 minutes.

“All the points were fast and it has never been a tight match,” Sousa told Tennis TourTalk afterwards. “I had a good start but played a bad second set. The key was the third set, which was the best set I played in Pullach this week. I am very happy with the win.”

Sousa will appear in his second consecutive ATP Challenger final after finishing runner-up to Andrej Martin in Liberec last week. “I have been playing well over the last two weeks. I hope that I can continue like this tomorrow. Now I will relax, enjoying a good dinner and sleep well.”

Sousa won the only previous meeting with Struff at the last year’s Davis Cup tie in Portugal. “This has been one of my most painful defeats,” Struff said. “I didn’t play well in windy conditions. I hope that I can do better tomorrow.” The singles final will start following a 2. Bundesliga team competition match between TC Großhesselohe and TSV Rosenheim at 4 pm local time.

Also read: Gillé & Vliegen clinch their third ATP Challenger doubles title in a row

Photo Gallery (by Florian Heer):