Hugo Dellien storms into Porto final

Hugo Dellien produced a commanding performance in Porto, defeating Spain’s Pedro Vives Marcos 6-4, 6-1 to reach the final of the Portuguese Challenger.

The Bolivian, currently ranked 140th in the ATP standings and seeded second, controlled the match from the baseline. He struck with depth, handled long rallies and repeatedly put pressure on Vives Marcos’s serve.

Dellien had to work harder in the opening set, as Vives Marcos stayed close on the scoreboard. The Bolivian held his service games and took the set 6-4. The second set was far more one-sided. Dellien increased the pace, took the initiative in the rallies and forced his opponent into extended defensive stretches before closing out the match 6-1.

He hit three aces, while Vives Marcos recorded none. Dellien had reached the semifinal after beating another Spaniard, Miguel Damas, 6-2, 6-4 in Friday’s quarterfinal. He will play the winner of the semifinal between Brazil’s Gustavo Heide and Argentina’s Facundo Mena in Sunday’s final.