Russian Safiullin beats Musetti to reach first ATP final in Chengdu

Russian Roman Safiullin advanced to his first career ATP Tour final after he beat Italian Lorenzo Musetti, the second seed, 6-3, 6-4 at the Chengdu Open on Monday.

Safiullin, ranked No 55, will play the winner of the match between German Alexander Zverev, the top seed, and Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, the No 3 seed, next.

The Russian will rise to a new career-high ranking inside the top 50 next week.

The Russian defeated American Brandon Nakashima (6-4, 6-4), No 4 seed Daniel Evans (6-3, 6-3) and Australian Jordan Thompson (7-6 (1), 0-0 ret.) ahead of his victory.

In the previous rounds of the Chengdu tournament, Musetti, ranked No 18, beat Australian qualifier Philip Sekulic (7-6 (3), 6-7 (4), 6-0) and Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech (6-3, 6-3).

Chengdu ATP250, other semi-final result (Sichuan International Tennis Center, hard, USD 1.152.805):

• Alexander Zverev vs. Grigor Dimitrov