Spain’s Fernando Verdasco has reached the final of The Slazenger Open on his debut at the tournament after a comfortable win over Croatian Marin Cilic.

Third seed Verdasco eased to victory over 19-year-old Cilic in just over and hour, 6-3 6-1.

Speaking after the match about his performance, Verdasco said: “I tried to do my best and play the points so hard and I started to get confidence.”

"For Spanish players, it is so special for us playing in finals on grass," Verdasco said.

"Last week Nadal won Queen's and (David) Ferrer is in the final in 's-Hertogenbosch so we are getting better on these kind of courts.

"Tomorrow I have a very tough opponent but I will try to do my best and return his serves, but it is not easy."

Verdasco will now face defending champion Ivo Karlovic, who came through in straight sets against Frenchman Gael Monfils.

"I lost my serve in the second set, which I felt I shouldn't have, so I was unhappy about that.

"But I returned a few points well when he served for the set at 5-4 and I was lucky enough to win that game and the match."- said Karlovic.


(source LTA, photo/LTA)

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