Daniil Medvedev rallied past Aussie qualifier James Duckworth to reach the Almaty Open final 6-7(8), 6-3, 6-2 on Saturday.
The Russian ranks second among active finalists with 40, behind only Novak Djokovic’s 143.
He couldn’t convert two set points in the opening set tiebreak, but turned the tables in sets two and three with crisp and efficient tennis.
Medvedev got his first break in the sixth game of the second set, then broke through in the first and seventh games of the third set to pull away from the 33-year-old.
“I think the level was outstanding today, both from me and from my opponent,” said the 29-year-old. “In the tiebreak I could have played better at times, but it happens. Throughout the match I think there were some great points from both of us, so I’m very happy with my performance and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
The former world No. 1 will face either Alex Michelsen or Corentin Moutet in the final as he bids for his 21st ATP title, and first since spring 2023.
