Dancevic has sights on maiden title

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:35

At 24, Dancevic was 12 years younger than his semi-final opponent, but it is his world ranking of 126 which his makes his achievement all the more remarkable.

He had already won two qualifying matches before he dispatched top seed Igor Andreev in round one, and he continued his rich vein of form today with a hard-fought 6-4 6-4 win over Frenchman Santoro – who was making his final professional appearance at Devonshire Park.

Dancevic fought an admirable rearguard action in the opening set and staved off five break points, whilst claiming one of only three which came his way, to take it 6-4.

Another solitary break was enough to clinch the second, and he told Eurosport afterwards: “It’s sensational.

“I just tried to get a few matches in before Wimbledon and ended up getting some confidence and reached the final. I’ve had an awesome time this week.”

Dancevic’s only previous singles final appearance came on the hard courts of Indianapolis two years ago.

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