Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Sports Network) - Julien Benneteau will look to
capture his first career singles title on Sunday after knocking out top seed
and world No. 5 David Ferrer at the $850,000 Malaysian Open tennis event.
The seventh-seeded Benneteau saved 10 break points in Saturday's 6-4, 6-1
semifinal victory over the Spaniard. It was his first win in eight matches
against Top 10 players this year.
A runner-up in Sydney in January, the loss dropped the 30-year-old Frenchman
to 0-6 in finals.
Benneteau has played in 198 career ATP tournaments without winning a singles
title, the most among active players. However, he does own six career doubles
titles.
In order to end the drought, Benneteau will have to beat Juan Monaco. The
second-seeded Argentine saved one match point in Saturday's other semifinal,
outlasting third-seeded Japanese Kei Nishikori 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4).
The 28-year-old Monaco will be appearing in his 16th career final, seeking his
first non-clay title. He has captured three titles this year, posting triumphs
in Vina del Mar, Houston and Hamburg, to raise his career total to six.
Sunday's match will mark the first meeting between the two players.
The winner of this tournament will collect $153,400.
The Sports Network