SYDNEY – South Africa's Kevin Anderson beat Julien Benneteau of France 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8) on Friday in a match between players separated by a single ranking point to reach the final of the Sydney International.
Last year's runner-up, Benneteau edged Anderson by the single point to claim the 32nd and last seeding place at next week's Australian Open after Anderson passed up the chance to earn ranking points by representing South Africa at the Hopman Cup.
Anderson gained a small measure of revenge Friday when he beat Benneteau in a thrilling match of almost 2½ hours. He will now face the winner of the second semifinal between Australia's Bernard Tomic and third-seeded Andreas Seppi.
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