Korda ends Rinderknech hopes in Gijon to book spot in first final of 2022

American Sebastian Korda beat Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech 7-6 (2), 6-3 in Gijon on Saturday to reach his first ATP Tour final of 2022.

Korda, ranked No 47, will play Russian Andrey Rublev, the top seed, for the title.

It’s Korda’s third Tour final and first since he won his first title, in Parma last year. But had Rinderknech taken either of the two set points he held in the first set, the result could have been different.

The 22-year-old American won against Spaniard Jaume Munar (6-4, 6-1), Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut, the No 3 seed (5-7, 6-4, 6-4) and wildcard Andy Murray (6-4, 1-6, 6-1) in the previous rounds.

Earlier in the tournament, Rinderknech, ranked No 56, defeated Spanish lucky loser Carlos Taberner (6-3, 6-3), Constant Lestienne (6-4, 6-2) and Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta, the second seed (4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (16)).

Gijon ATP 250, other semi-final result (Palacio deportes, EUR 612.000):

• Andrey Rublev beat Dominic Thiem: 6-4, 6-4