Belgrade, Serbia – Young Frenchman Benoit Paire booked his place in the final at the $485,000 Serbia Open by outlasting top-seeded Spaniard Pablo Andujar, 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, in Saturday's first semifinal.
The world No. 96 Paire fired seven aces and, like his counterpart, saved five of eight break points in a match that lasted one hour and 54 minutes.
Paire, who turns 23 on Tuesday, will be making his debut in an ATP final and will look to celebrate his upcoming birthday by becoming the first first-time winner on tour this year.
On Sunday, he will face either former top-five star David Nalbandian or second-seeded Italian Andreas Seppi.
Belgrade serves as a tune-up for the French Open and will pay its newest champ $88,000.
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