Newport: Giron sets up all-American final against Michelsen as both aim for first ATP title

With an all-American semi-final line up, there was already sure to be a home champion at the last Hall of Fame Open in Newport before the tournament drops off the main ATP Tour and returns as a combined ATP Challenger/ WTA $125K event on the calendar next year.

That champion will be either second seed Marcos Giron or third seed Alex Michelsen. On Saturday, Giron defeated fourth seed Chris Eubanks 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to reach the final. Earlier in the day, Michelsen scored a straight sets win over countryman Reilly Opelka 6-2, 6-0 to book his spot in the Newport final for the second year in a row.

Ahead of his win today, Giron had defeated Frenchman Benoit Paire (4-6, 7-5, 6-4) and defeated Australian qualifier Alex Bolt (6-4, 6-1) en route to the semis.

“It’s amazing to get to the final here” – Giron

Both players in Sunday’s final will be gunning for their first ATP Tour-level singles title. Giron will be competing in his third ATP singles final (first on grass).

“It’s amazing to get to the final here,” Giron said as quoted by the ATP Tour website. “My first time competing here, I didn’t know what to expect. I’ve been playing well on grass and so I’m really happy.”

The final between the two countrymen will also be the first clash between the two and Giron knows he has his task cut out for him.

“Hopefully I can get the trophy. It’s going to be tough. Michelsen’s a great player,” he continued. “He made the final here last year. He’s been routining guys here, so he’s definitely in form.”

Newport ATP 250, other semi-final result (International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum, grass, USD 661,585):

• Alex Michelsen beat Reilly Opelka (WC): 6-2, 6-0