Breaking through – Rinderknech tops Moutet to reach first career final at Adelaide

France’s Arthur Rinderknech reached his maiden ATP final at Adelaide, defeating Corentin Moutet in straight sets.

Tennis – ATP Cup – Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney, Australia – January 2, 2022 France’s Arthur Rinderknech reacts during his group stage match against Russia’s Roman Safiullin || 216726_0017

Chris Oddo

January 14, 2022

Arthur Rinderknech has been a player on the rise for well over a year now. Starting the 2021 season at 178 in the world, the Frenchman has done nothing but impress on tour, earning his first 18 ATP wins and reaching the last eight of six different tour events (and one semi-final) in his breakout season.

On Friday in Adelaide the 26-year-old (current ranking: 58) took it a few steps further as he rolled past compatriot Corentin Moutet, 6-1, 6-3 to book his spot in his first ATP final. He will face either Thanasi Kokkinakis or Marin Cilic for the title on Saturday in Adelaide.

King Arthur's Court 🤴🇫🇷

A clinical performance from @arthurrinder as he reaches his first tour level final, defeating Moutet 6-1 6-3!#AdelaideTennis pic.twitter.com/QxFwKf7wDF
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 14, 2022

Rinderknech was spectacular from the service stripe, winning 27 of 30 first-serve points and dropping just 11 points on serve overall. He saved both break points he faced and managed to break the 115th-ranked Moutet four times in the 76-minute contest.

“It’s a great achievement,” Rinderknech told reporters. “I’m really happy to be in the final. It’s a new step again. I made the semifinal in Kitzbuhel last summer. Now final here for my first tournament of the year. Of course, really happy. Just looking forward to what’s next.”

Rinderknech is projected to make his top-50 debut in next week’s rankings based on his result this week. He projects at 48, and could potentially go higher if he claims his first title.