Russian Pavel Kotov roared and won 6–3, 6–4.
Kotov, ranked 109, reached the semifinals of the Nordic Open by knocking out third-seeded Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor in the quarterfinals. He has never before played in the final of an ATP tournament.
In Sunday’s final, the winner of the meeting awaits Gaël Monfils, France, and Laslo Djere, Serbia.