Del Potro to face Benneteau in Rotterdam final

Juan Martin del Potro dispatched Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday to move into his second straight Rotterdam World Tennis final and will face Frenchman Julien Benneteau for the title.

The second-seeded Argentine is now the top-ranked player left after Friday’s shock elimination of Roger Federer by Benneteau who will be looking for his first career title after losing all seven of his previous finals.

Benneteau won an all-French semi-final in one hour and 50 minutes, beating compatriot Gilles Simon, the fifth seed, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Simon was treated midway through the second set for a left leg injury.

Benneteau had nine break chances, converting two, as he played his second semi-final of the season after Sydney last month.

Del Potro, who lost the Rotterdam final to Federer a year ago, lifted a pair of indoor titles last autumn in Vienna and Basel.

“Anything can happen in the finals, I have to play at my best and not give my opponent any chance to break,” said Del Potro.

“I’m a little surprised not to see Federer in the final, but Benneteau plays well on hard courts and Roger can have a bad day like anyone.

“Benneteau deserved to win the match. Playing someone like Roger is always a pleasure but I’m focused on the match in front of me.

AFP