CINCINNATI, Aug 22 (Reuters) – Arthur Fils produced a commanding 67-minute display to sweep aside seventh seed Flavio Cobolli 6-3 6-4 on Saturday and secure his place in the Cincinnati Open final.
The French 21st seed recovered quickly after Cobolli broke for a 2-1 lead, breaking straight back to level at 2-2.
With the opening set locked at 3-3, Fils improved his performance to take a 4-3 lead before breaking decisively in the eighth game as Cobolli misfired from the baseline.
Fils, who won the Barcelona Open in April, maintained his momentum in the second set, breaking serve in the opening game.
Cobolli held to love at 4-3 to keep the pressure on but Fils proved superior, dictating play with sharp forehands to gain a 5-4 lead and ultimately clinch victory, having scored 22 winners and six aces.
Four-times ATP Tour champion Fils faces the winner of the second semi-final between Brandon Nakashima and fellow American Frances Tiafoe being played later on Saturday.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)