“Lucky” Griekspoor grinds into Mallorca final

Tallon Griekspoor bounced back from early pressure by Felix Auger-Aiiassime to post a 6-4, 6-r win into the second grass court final of his career on Friday in Mallorca.

The Dutchmen shocked Canada’s second seed in 89 minutes, moving into the Saturday title match without losing  a set all week at the last warm-up event prior to the start of Wimbledon.

Grielspoor broke once per set but had to fight past the Canadian in the opening stages before settling in for the upset on the Spanish grass.

“I really escaped at the start of the first set,” the winner said. “He had break points in my first three (service) games).

“I was lucky to break him. I played a bit better in the second set. But I got a bit lucky here and there and also had some good serving.”

Grieklspoor will play his second career grass final against Corentin Moutet who beat Alex Michelsen 6-4,7-6.

The Dutchman struck 18 winners and 22 unforced errors as FAA lost for the fifth time in five career grass semi-final appearances.

The match was played in the afternoon heat as Europe remains toasty this summer.

“It actually felt a bit better today, a bit cooler,” Griekspoor said, “It’s been unbelievably warm these days but I’m enjoying the sun by now.”