Julien Benneteau is–once again–one win away from his first career ATP title. Standing in his way on Sunday in the Kuala Lumpur final is Joao Sousa. Hasan Murad previews the match.
The final of the Malaysian Open presents golden opportunities for both Julien Benneteau and Joao Sousa and it is the first ATP tournament of the year in which two finalists have a chance to win a first-ever ATP title.
Sousa can etch his name in the history books as he attempts to become the first-ever Portuguese player to win an ATP event. The 24-year-old’s gallant run this week has made him the hottest player outside the Top 50 after the U.S .Open. Already placed 54th in the ATP race for 2013, a victory in Sunday’s final will catapult him to 43rd position.
Benneteau, meanwhile, is hoping to bag his maiden ATP title in his ninth final. He has improved his performance as the tournament has progressed. The world No. 33 is a solid returner of serve and the numbers he has posted in his last match corroborate the claim. He won an impressive 49 percent of return points against Stanislas Wawrinka and looks prepared to dominate Sousa’s relatively weak serve.
Both players are playing solid from the baseline, so the final is bound to feature plenty of quality baseline rallies. While Benneteau’s strength from the baseline is unquestionably his backhand, it is the forehand that has done wonders for Sousa in his amazing wins. It remains to be seen whether Sousa’s burgeoning confidence can negate the advantage Benneteau’s experience will grant him. As the veteran, Benneteau is more likely to seize the tactical advantage, assert his authority in the pivotal moments, and narrowly win his first head-to-head meeting with Sousa.
Pick: Benneteau in 3
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