Staff Reporter.
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The 18-year-old continued his breakthrough week at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open Friday when he downed Gael Monfils to become the youngest finalist in tournament history.
Mensik gained a key break at 4-3 in the third set before going on to hold serve as he won 6-4 1-6 6-3 in Doha.
“It is amazing. Hopefully not the last one [final]. Incredible week so far,” Mensik said. “Today again with Gael, he played unbelivable. I know it is tough to play against him, especially with his good movement. For me every point I have to play my best game.
“I have to say this performance was one of the best in my entire life. I am so glad I reached this level in the semis, so hopefully tomorrow I play like this. An amazing feeling with my first ATP final. I am speechless.”
The Czech, who beat Briton Andy Murray earlier in the week, will face Russian Karen Khachanov in Saturday’s final.
Khachanov came through his last-four test against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 7-6 (14-12) 6-2 and is looking to win a sixth tour-level title.
“It is really nice to play with a full crowd and energy,” Khachanov said. “It was a very emotional and tight tie-break. He was up and then I was up. One point made the difference and I think winning the first set was crucial to winning the match.”
Khachanov is chasing his sixth tour-level title this weekend, with all five of his previous triumphs coming on hard courts. The World No. 17 holds a 12-1 record against Australians in his past 13 matches and now leads Popyrin 3-1 in the pair’s Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.