Kyrgios to meet Dimitrov in Cincinnati final

Australian Nick Kyrgios overcame Spanish veteran David Ferrer on Saturday to set up a clash against Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov in the final of the Cincinnati Open. The 22-year-old Kyrgios, looking for his first title of the year, beat the former world number three 7-6(3) 7-6(4), while Dimitrov also advanced to his first Masters 1000 final with a 7-6(4) 7-6(10) victory over American John Isner. Kyrgios, who has struggled with hip and shoulder injuries the past two months, showed grit to advance.

? Kyrgios@NickKyrgios is through to the BIGGEST final of his career, topping former finalist Ferrer 7-6(3) 7-6(3). #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/U3LByUcdFl

— W&S Open (@CincyTennis) August 20, 2017

"He was a nightmare to play, especially because I'm a tall guy and he's not the tallest guy," Kyrgios told reporters. "It's a tough matchup for me. I thought today I didn't play my best tennis. "In the tie-breaks I served well, but I definitely didn't bring my best tennis today. "I'm just really proud that I managed to scrap out the win."

?? @NickKyrgios hits 14 aces to d. Ferrer 7-6(3), 7-6(4), reach his 1st #ATPMasters1000 final @CincyTennis. More: https://t.co/D3emPBm7Zl pic.twitter.com/EebOXj04ZP — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) August 20, 2017

Seventh seed Dimitrov needed almost two hours to book his place in Sunday's final. The world number 11 had his work cut out against big-serving Isner, with neither player dropping serve in a match where break opportunities were few and far between. Isner had two break point chances, Dimitrov only one.

Great Grigor@GrigorDimitrov powers past Isner 7-6(4) 7-6(10) to reach his 1st ATP Masters1000 final. Awaits Kyrgios-Ferrer.#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/LvncRG7yAy

— W&S Open (@CincyTennis) August 19, 2017

Dimitrov saved a set point in the second set tiebreak, before putting away the dogged American to reach his first Masters 1000 final. "I think it's a good step, Dimitrov said. "It's a good step. I have been on the tour for quite some time now, and I appreciate those moments. "I'm starting to appreciate them even more."

The final stage is set! ? @NickKyrgios v @GrigorDimitrov: Who do YOU think will take home the @CincyTennis ?? Vote: https://t.co/kJkAlgcQuB pic.twitter.com/S01BV0P52a — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) August 20, 2017