Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Julien Benneteau will look to capture his first career singles title on Sunday after knocking out top seed and world No. 5 David Ferrer at the $850,000 Malaysian Open tennis event.
The seventh-seeded Benneteau saved 10 break points in Saturday's 6-4, 6-1 semifinal victory over the Spaniard. It was his first win in eight matches against Top 10 players this year.
A runner-up in Sydney in January, the loss dropped the 30-year-old Frenchman to 0-6 in finals.
Benneteau has played in 198 career ATP tournaments without winning a singles title, the most among active players. However, he does own six career doubles titles.
In order to end the drought, Benneteau will have to beat Juan Monaco. The second-seeded Argentine saved one match point in Saturday's other semifinal, outlasting third-seeded Japanese Kei Nishikori 6-2, 2-6, 7-6 (7-4).
The 28-year-old Monaco will be appearing in his 16th career final, seeking his first non-clay title. He has captured three titles this year, posting triumphs in Vina del Mar, Houston and Hamburg, to raise his career total to six.
Sunday's match will mark the first meeting between the two players.
The winner of this tournament will collect $153,400.
