SZCZECIN, September 19, 2015
Artem Smirnov is currently enjoying a wonderful week at the Pekao Szczecin Open. The 27-year-old Ukrainian has come to Poland ranked on 407th position as a qualifier and has now made it to his first final on the ATP Challenger Tour. Two victories in the qualification were followed by three in the main draw, including the win over second seed Robin Haase in the second round. A walkover in the semis eventually gave Smirnov the chance to appear in his first final on Sunday. Fourth seed Marco Cecchinato was forced to withdraw due to illness.
Jan-Lennard Struff (photo: Szczecin Open)
Jan-Lennard Struff advanced to his first final since he finished runner-up in Szczecin last year. The 25-year-old German upset sixth seed Nicolas Almagro, winning 6-3, 4-6, 7-5. Struff withstood a rain delay in the second set as well as 10 aces from his Spanish opponent, firing eight of his own to seal victory in one hour and 42 minutes. Struff and Smirnov will meet for the first time on the tour.
French pair Tristan Lamasine and Farbrice Martin captured the doubles title, winning 6-3, 7-6 over Italian tandem consisting of Federico Gaio and Alsessandro Giannessi in one hour and 11 minutes.
Doubles ceremony (photo: Szczecin Open)
