Andy Murray will have the experience edge when the top seed faces untested Donald Young in today’s final of the ATP Thailand Open.
Murray needed six match points and nerves of steel to beat long-time opponent Gilles Simon 6-2, 3-6, 6-2 in yesterday’s semi-finals.
He has now won his last eight matches against the third-seeded Frenchman dating to 2008. Murray will be looking for his third title this year after winning Queen’s and the Cincinnati Masters.
Photo: EPA
The left-handed Young, ranked 55, needed nearly three hours to upset second seed Gael Monfils 4-6, 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (7/5) and reach his first career final.
World No. 4 Murray lost to Young in an Indian Wells upset in March, but defeated the young American in their fourth round match at the US Open.
Young hung tough in the face of 13 aces from Monfils, who has not lifted a trophy in nearly a year.
The 22-year-old, who has had a frustrating struggle from boy wonder to the senior ranks after once being tipped to succeed by John McEnroe, now has the chance for a further upset performance.
Monfils and Young traded 20 break points between them in the marathon match, with Young converting on five of his 10 chances.
The American went down a break in the second set, but got it back, then refused to buckle as Monfils saved two set points in the 12th game.
Young got some momentum in the decider, which he won on his fourth chance to take it into a third set. He eventually lifted victory as Monfils double-faulted to lose.
Young now stands 18-13 on the season after playing in only his second career semi-final at the ATP level.
Monfils at No. 9 remains the highest-ranked player not to win a title so far this season.
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