Alexander Blockx produced one of the most dramatic comebacks of the ATP season to reach his first Tour-level final after edging second seed Luciano Darderi in a thrilling Millennium Estoril Open semi-final on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Belgian fought back from the brink several times before sealing a 5-7, 7-6(1), 7-6(5) victory after two hours and 45 minutes, keeping alive his dream of a maiden ATP title.
Darderi looked set to book his place in the final when he served for the match at 5-4 in the second set, but Blockx broke back to force a tie-break. The Belgian then found himself trailing 2-4 in the deciding set before mounting another recovery.
His toughest test came in the final set tie-break, where he trailed 1-4 before reeling off a stunning comeback to complete one of the biggest wins of his career.
"I have no words to describe this match right now," Blockx said after the match.
"I should have lost the match four times today, so I'm just grateful to be able to play tomorrow."
It was not the first time Blockx had escaped defeat this week. He also saved two match points in his second-round victory, underlining his fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
The result makes Blockx the first Belgian to reach the Estoril Open final. He also becomes the youngest finalist at the tournament this decade and the fourth youngest in the event's history.
His breakthrough run continues an impressive clay-court season that has also included a semi-final appearance at the Madrid Masters and strong performances in Monte Carlo and Rome.
Awaiting him in the final is another first-time ATP finalist, France's Luca Van Assche.
The 22-year-old advanced after defeating compatriot Hugo Gaston 6-4, 7-5, backing up his impressive quarter-final victory over top seed Andrey Rublev.
Van Assche briefly stumbled while serving for the match at 5-4 in the second set, but immediately regained control to close out the contest in one hour and 57 minutes.
"It was a tough match today against Hugo," Van Assche said.
"It was a very difficult match from the beginning to the end, especially with the windy conditions. But I am very happy to be through."
The run has lifted Van Assche 13 places in the live ATP rankings to world No. 65.
The Estoril Open final will now feature two of the ATP Tour's brightest young talents, with both Blockx and Van Assche chasing the first Tour title of their careers.
