Stuttgart ace Berrettini powers into final

Italian Matteo Berrettini, the second seed, beat German Oscar Otte 7-6 [7], 7-6 [5] to move into the final of the Stuttgart Open at Tennis Club Weissenhof on Saturday.

Berrettini, ranked No 10, will play the winner of the match between Andy Murray and Australian Nick Kyrgios next.

Otte was 4-0 in tiebreaks heading into Saturday’s semi-final, but the German could not hold off the tenth-ranked Italian.

Otte, ranked No 61, won against Daniel Altmaier (7-6 [2], 7-6 [4]), Canadian Denis Shapovalov (7-6 [6], 7-6 [4]) and Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi (via walkover) to reach the semis.

2019 champion Berrettini is into his ninth career final, and fourth on grass. On Sunday, against either Andy Murray or Nick Kyrgios, he will bid for his first title since capturing the trophy at Queen’s Club last season.

Back in good health, back in good form

Playing his first tennis since Indian Wells, after missing the clay season due to a hand injury, the Italian improved to 8-0 lifetime at Stuttgart. The 26-year-old Italian is 25-3 on grass since the start of 2019.

“I am happy I am here and have another chance to play another final after months without playing and after the first big surgery in my career,” Berrettini said after his victory.

“This means this is my level and I have proved once again I am comfortable at this level and on this surface. I really like it here at Stuttgart.”