ATP Tour: Tennis surprise: Struff reaches Brussels final – Tagesspiegel

Jan-Lennard Struff advanced to the final of the European Open in Brussels after a hard‑fought three‑set victory over Frenchman Arthur Fils, 6:4, 6:7 (7:9), 7:6 (7:5). Struff will face Dutch player Tallon Griekspoor in the championship match on Sunday, a rivalry he has not yet won against.

The result marks a significant achievement for Struff, who has not claimed an ATP Tour singles title since winning the BMW Open in Munich in 2024. His performance against Fils, the 22‑year‑old French favorite, showcased his resilience and tactical adjustments. Struff’s victory came after a back‑and‑forth contest where he ultimately secured the win in a decisive third‑set tiebreak.

Match Details

The match began with Struff taking an early lead, breaking Fils’ serve in the first set. He saved three break points at 5‑3 and later converted a fourth break point on his own serve to take the opening set 6‑4. Fils, however, regrouped in the second set, pushing the match into a tiebreak after a tightly contested second set. The second set ended 6‑7 (7:9). Struff’s challenge intensified in the third set, where he faced a critical moment at 4‑4. A double fault allowed Fils to break and serve for the match, but Struff responded with a remarkable recovery, breaking back to force a tiebreak. In the final tiebreak, Struff converted his first match point to clinch the victory.

Struff’s Path to the Final

Struff’s journey to the final was marked by strategic adjustments and mental toughness. He entered the match as the underdog against Fils, who was a heavy favorite. Struff’s strong serving and early confidence were critical to his success. He described the match as “unbelievable” and emphasized the significance of reaching the final, stating, “It’s always something special to play in a final.”

What Comes Next

Struff’s final opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, presents a new challenge. The Dutch player has a 3‑0 record against Struff in their previous encounters. The final is set for Sunday.