Riba coasts into Serena ITF Future I Tennis final

ISLAMABAD: In a high quality cracker of matches Spaniard former world No 65 Pere Riba prevailed over strong Russian in a hard fought three sets to make it to the final of $ 15000 Serena ITF Future I Tennis at the PTF Complex Friday.

In what turned out to be an exciting pre-final, Riba came fighting back from one set down to beat Shalva Dzhanashiya 1-6, 7-6 (3) and 6-3 to set up final against top seed Ivan Nedelko (Russia) on Sunday. The Russian defeated his countryman Kristian Lozain 6-2, 6-3 in the first semis.

Riba’s exceptional display in the last two sets in the second semis won many hearts Friday at the PTF Centre Court, where he showed why he was ranked amongst the top 65 players of the world. Yet again he started the match slowly and took time to get into full groove. After meekly conceding the first set where Riba was seen gathering his pace and missing some good opportunities, he was seen unleashing some quality corner to corner shots in the second. His backhand slice winners were a treat to watch. Though Riba broke Dzhanashiya serve early, the Russian fought back to make it all square with some neatly played cross court sizzler. The score went to 6-6 after Riba survived two match points. From there on Spaniard took firm control of the proceedings winning the tie break with ease. There was no stopping Riba who was backed and cheered by the vocal local crowd. “ I am on a comeback trial, knowing well that I have a chance even though I was down by a set. Once the luck provided opportunity I grabbed it with both hands and started playing my normal game,” Riba said after winning the semis.

It was hard tempered semis with Russian Dzhanashiya getting engaged in unnecessary arguments with Riba.Dzhanashiya was also seen struggling with his fitness and had to call in physio for apparent shoulder injury.

After winning the first set Riba hoped to put up his best in the final against top seed. “Admitted that the Russian No 1 is playing good tennis, I would do all I could to make a match against him in the final.” Earlier, in the first semifinal the top seed Ivan Nedelko made short work of his opponent winning in style. The extremely fit Nedelko gave Lozen hardly any gap to gather momentum.Men’s singles semi-final: Ivan Nedelko (Rus) [1] bt Kristian Lozan (Rus) [3] 6-2, 6-3; Pere Riba (Esp) [4] bt Shalva Dzhanashia (Rus) 1-6, 7-6 (2), 6-3.