American qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic continues to build upon momentum in Montpellier, generating a solid performance to upset world No. 10 Andrey Rublev 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 35 minutes, progressing to the Open Occitanie final, his first at tour-level on Saturday.
In his on-court interview, he outlined: “It seems like every day we have the same conversation about me playing the best match I ever played.
“My level has been good this week. Andrey is an incredible player; I have been watching him for years. Just stepping on the court with someone like this is a privilege.”
The 26-year-old will square off against second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime, who outlasted Jesper De Jong 6-4, 7-6(4) to progress into his second championship match this season.
Following his triumph over in-form De Jong - beat compatriot Tallon Griekspoor to reach his first ATP semifinal - the Canadian player extended his indoor record to 52 match wins since the start of the 2022 season.
On Sunday, the American will meet the world No. 23 for the second time on tour.
Their lone encounter dates back to last August in Cincinnati, a match Auger-Aliassime won in straight sets.
The Adelaide International reigning champion will chase his seventh title at the tour level when he hits the Court Patrice Dominguez on Sunday to contest his 17th career final.
An American Dream
Coming from qualifying, Kovacevic’s run to the ultimate stage of the ATP 250 tournament sees him breaking new ground while earning his first victory over a Top 10 player.
“When you are an underdog, playing a Top 10 opponent like that, you’re a lot more free. You have to go for it against these guys,” he added.
“I’m honored to be on court with them, but if you don’t show up, they’re going to take it, just like they always do.”
Moreover, the world No. 102 stunned two-time Montpellier champion Alexander Bublik, showcasing a great run of form in their quarterfinal match staged on Friday.
Previously, he moved past David Goffin, Pablo Carreno Busta, and Mattia Bellucci, dropping just one set overall.