Unseeded Werner Eschauer of Austria faces Belgian qualifier Steve Darcis on Centre Court, as both men seek their first ATP title. The duo are playing each other for the first time. In the semifinals, Eschauer beat Dutchman Robin Haase, while Darcy shocked No. 2 seed Mikhail Youzhny.
Eschauer, 33, is seeking to become the oldest first-time ATP titlist since Wayne Arthurs won his first title aged 33 years, 11 months in Scottsdale in 2005. Eschauer is playing in the first ATP final of his 13-year pro career. He had only three ATP victories in 2007 before this event, but they included Roland Garros, Wimbledon. And he only had 10 career ATP victories. He is making his debut here.
Darcis, 23, has reached the final in the same week that he notched his first ATP win. He had a 0-2 career ATP/Davis Cup record coming into this event. One of those losses came here – last year to Zib. He made two semifinals this year in Challengers, one level below the ATP. At No. 297, he would be one of the lowest ranked players ever to win an ATP event (since 1973). Only five players ranked worse than 300 have done it.
In doubles play, Argentines Juan Pablo Brzezicki and Juan-Pablo Guzman face Dutchmen Robin Haase and Rogier Wassen in the final.
The Argentines are playing together for the first time in ATP competition. Haase and Wassen lost their only match together prior to this tournament – against Rusedski-J. Murray in Davis Cup play in April. (ATP Digital Services)
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