Aslan Karatsev edged past his compatriot Karen Khachanov 7-6 (9-7) 6-1 after 82 mnutes in an all-Russian semifinal at the VTB Kremlin in Moscow.
Both players traded break points in the first two games. Khachanov fended off two set points to hold serve after two deuces in the ninth game. Karatsev saved four set points in the first set to win the tie-break 9-7. Karatsev broke twice in the second and sixth games to close out the second set 6-2.
Karatsev now trails 1-2 in his three head-to-head matches against Khachanov.
“I tried not to think about the score in tie-break and just play point by point. At 5-6 I made a great return and get nervous. That is how I managed to win it”, said Karatsev.
Karatsev is 13th in the ATP Race to Turin with 2180 points, 775 points behind ninth placed Hubert Hurkacz. He reached the semifinals at the Australian Open and won his first title in Dubai.
Karatsev set up a final against Marin Cilic, who beat Ricardas Berankis 6-3 6-4. Cilic will chase his third title at the Kremlin Cup and his 20th career trophy. He won the Stuttgart title in Stuttgart and reached two semifinals in Singapore and Estoril.
Cilic earned his first break in the second game to open up a 3-0 lead. Berankis saved three break points to hold serve after three deuces in the sixth game for 2-4. Cilic held his final two service games to win the first set 6-3. Berankis went a 2-0 lead with a break in the second game. Cilic broke straight back in the third game and held serve in the next game to draw level to 2-2. Cilic broke serve at deuce in the ninth game to take a 5-4. The 2014 US Open champion served out the win in the 10th game after saving two break points.
Cilic has improved his winning record over Berankis to 2-0.
“It is amazing to get this support and whatever happens tomorrow, it will be a great day to enjoy another final here in Moscow”, said Cilic.
