Rublev, Fils fightbacks set up Barcelona Open final / Photo: Manaure Quintero - AFP
Rublev, Fils fightbacks set up Barcelona Open final
Frenchman Arthur Fils overcame in-form teenager Rafael Jodar 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday to set up a Barcelona Open final with resurgent Russian Andrey Rublev.
Rublev also came from a set down to beat Serbia's Hamad Medjedovic 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 in their semi-final earlier on Saturday.
Fils came back from an eight-month injury absence in February and has been in strong form, finishing as runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in Doha and will be hoping to lift a fourth tournament of his career on Sunday.
Jodar had won all three of his matches this week in straight sets, including against world number 24 Cameron Norrie, and he started brightly in front of an encouraging home crowd.
But the 19-year-old faded physically as the contest continued.
"It took me a set and a half to get used to his power, he's going to be a pain in the ass to play over the years."
Looking ahead to the decider Fils said he was looking forward to another battle.
"You can win a lot of matches but then miss in the final, and I'm sure this will be tough. Andrey is a great player and a great guy," said Fils
For the 28-year-old Rublev this will be the 29th final of his career.
World number two Alcaraz withdrew with a wrist injury on Wednesday and on Friday also pulled out of next week's Madrid Masters.
H.Qureshi--al-Hayat
