Cerúndolo saw a final slip through his hands in Brussels

The ball was served for match point and everything was about to fall into place. Francisco Cerúndolo had broken twice in the first set, won the second in reverse and reached 5-3 in the decider. Then the door closed. Griekspoor held, broke back, took the tie-break and advanced to Sunday's final.

The first set: a clear win

There was no doubt about the Argentine's best tennis in Brussels. Cerúndolo won the opening set 6-2 with two quick breaks, held his serve without giving ground and reached 4-1 on his own serve. The result was deserved, and for a moment it seemed that the title would be decided on Sunday.

Griekspoor changed the script in the second set. The Dutch player found the key break in a closely fought partial and won 6-3. From there, the match became a test of nerves, concentration and who could keep playing with the score on the line.

5-3 and serving for the final

The most painful moment came in the third set. Cerúndolo broke in the eighth game and served for the match at 5-3. He could not finish it. Griekspoor saved the chance, equalized and forced the tie-break, where the Dutch player won 7-4.

“I had to play my best tennis. I am very proud of what I was able to do today. This is a mental victory. Francisco is a great player, it is always difficult to face him and you have to be in optimal emotional and mental condition.”Tallon Griekspoor

The final will be played on Sunday at 12.30, Argentina time, between Griekspoor and the winner of the match between Arthur Fils and Jan-Lennard Struff. For Cerúndolo, however, the tournament is over, and the question is whether this abrupt elimination can become a push for the following events.

• Juan Manuel Cerúndolo beat Zachary Svajda 6-4 and 6-3 in the qualifying round of the ATP in Basel and will face Daniel Altmaier.
• Sebastián Báez lost to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-3, 3-6 and 6-3 in the same qualifying stage.
• Thiago Tirante faced Adrian Mannarino in the qualifying round of the ATP in Vienna.

The encouraging part is that Cerúndolo arrived in the semifinal with a solid tournament and was one of the favorites. The bad news is that he had the final in his hands and did not close it. That kind of match leaves a lesson, and also a sting. Maybe the next tournament will answer the question. Until then, Griekspoor has the last joke and the ticket to the final.