Mannarino, Thompson Book ‘s-Hertogenbosch Final Spots

There will be a first-time ATP Tour titlist at the Libema Open this year.

After rain suspended play at crucial stages in both semi-finals on Saturday night, Adrian Mannarino and Jordan Thompson made quick starts to play on Sunday morning to book their places in the championship match. Leading 4-6, 6-3, 6-6 3/2 overnight, Mannarino claimed four of five points against second seed Borna Coric on Sunday to complete a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6(3) victory.

Mannarino has defeated three seeded players in succession to reach the final in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The 30-year-old Frenchman overcame fourth seed Fernando Verdasco in the second round and fifth seed David Goffin in the quarter-finals, before ending Coric’s run in the last four. Mannarino will be aiming to capture his first trophy when he meets Thompson in his seventh ATP Tour championship match.

Thompson needed just three points to complete his semi-final against defending champion Richard Gasquet. The 25-year-old Australian was serving at 7-5, 5-3 30/40 when rain fell on Saturday, but did not drop a point after resuming play on Sunday to reach his maiden tour-level final. The World No. 62, who improves to 19-11 this season, is projected to crack the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings for the first time on Monday.

Mannarino enters the final with a 2-1 FedEx ATP Head2Head record against Thompson, which includes two victories on grass. Two years ago, the World No. 44 defeated Thompson 6-4, 6-1 in the first round at this event.

Did You Know?
There have been eight first-time champions on the ATP Tour this season. Either Mannarino or Thompson will add their name to that list by lifting the Libema Open trophy. Felix Auger-Aliassime can also join that group by defeating Matteo Berrettini in the MercedesCup final in Stuttgart.