Jean-Julien Rojer and Wesley Koolhof end Xavier Malisse’s dream run on Saturday in Antwerp.
Heliovaara/Middelkoop advance in Moscow
Third seeds Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer ended Xavier Malisse’s dream run on Saturday at the European Open, downing the Belgian and Lloyd Harris 6-4, 6-2 to reach the final in Antwerp.
Before this week, Malisse had not competed at a tour-level event since the US Open in 2013. The 41-year-old has been coaching Harris and the pair received a wild card into the doubles draw to compete, triumphing in their first two matches.
However, Koolhof and Rojer were too strong for the Belgian-South African tandem, not facing a break point to advance after 67 minutes. They will meet second seeds Nicolas Mahut and Fabrice Martin in their first tour-level final as a team.
FOLLOW THIS WEEK’S ACTION
Heliovaara/Middelkoop Edge Through In Moscow
Harri Heliovaara and Matwe Middelkoop battled back on Saturday at the VTB Kremlin Cup, defeating Ariel Behar and Gonzalo Escobar 6-7(4), 6-3, 10-8 to reach the championship match in Moscow.
The unseeded pair won 78 per cent (40/51) of their first-serve points and hit six aces to advance after 89 minutes. Heliovaara and Middelkoop are teaming for the first time this week and they will play fourth seeds Tomislav Brkic and Nikola Cacic in the final.