Tennis: Last-seed standing Rublev reaches first grass final in Halle

Russia's Andrey Rublev celebrates after winning against Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili. PHOTO: AFP

HALLE WESTFALEN, GERMANY (AFP) - World number seven Andrey Rublev is into his first grass court final on the ATP tour after beating Georgian qualifier Nikoloz Basilashvili in the last four at Halle on Saturday (June 19).

The 23-year-old Russian was made to work for his 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 semi-final victory in just under two hours.

"It's my first final on grass and in Halle," said Rublev, who was the only seed left in the draw from the quarter-finals onwards.

"I think I can play on every surface and I will try my best again tomorrow."

In Sunday's final, Rublev will meet Ugo Humbert, who beat Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (7/5) in the other semi-final later on Saturday.

Humbert, ranked 31st in the world, has been in impressive form in Halle and the 22-year-old dumped out French Open semi-finalist Alexander Zverev in the last 16.

Earlier in the week, Auger-Aliassime, 20, also underlined his status as one to watch on the ATP tour with a shock second-round win over childhood idol Roger Federer in Halle.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.