LO 2022: Van Rijthoven’s dream week continues with final spot

The sensational breakthrough week of Tim van Rijthoven is getting better and better. The 25-year-old from Brabant, who had never won an ATP match before Libéma Open, will play for the title on Sunday. In the semi-finals, Van Rijthoven defeated second-seeded Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3 1-6 7-6(5) on a packed and sun-drenched centre court.

Van Rijthoven already defeated a top 20 player for the first time this week in the person of Taylor Fritz, but his victory in the semi-final over Felix Auger-Aliassime is of an even more impressive calibre. The Canadian is the number nine in the world and won the ATP tournament in Rotterdam in February.

Van Rijthoven exploited the only break point of the opening set at 3-2, but could not continue his excellent form in set two. After a fast set for Auger-Aliassime, the home favourite recovered strongly with impressive serving and compelling attacks.

Auger-Aliassime came back twice in the third set from a 0-40 deficit on his own service, but Van Rijthoven did not linger in the disappointment of his missed opportunities. Auger-Aliassime did not get a single break point in the entire set and after a little less than two hours of tennis a tiebreak had to offer a solution.

At 3-3 Van Rijthoven forced his opponent into a mistake with a forcing forehand, which resulted in the only mini-break. The wildcard player cashed in his third match point and was overjoyed when he dropped to the grass.

Van Rijthoven is still number 205 in the world, but will improve his best ranking ever (ATP-175) after the Libéma Open. In his first ATP final, he might play Daniil Medvedev. The future number one of the world will play defending champion Adrian Mannarino in the second semi-final.