MELBOURNE: American qualifier Maxime Cressy upset Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov to book a spot in his first ATP Tour final today where a potential showdown with Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal awaits.
The towering world No 112, who was born in France, had never been beyond a semifinal before upstaging his 28th-ranked opponent 7-5, 7-6(11-9) over two tough sets to progress at the Melbourne Summer Set event.
It was a major upset for Dimitrov, who was seeking his ninth ATP Tour trophy after producing some of his best tennis for years late last season.
Cressy will face either 20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal or Finland’s Emil Ruusuvuori in tomorrow’s final.
They play later on Rod Laver Arena.