Tallon Griekspoor became the first finalist of the Mallorca Championships presented by ecotrans Group on Friday after defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4, 6-4 in a match defined by the Dutchman’s resilience in the key moments and his sharp returning.
The contest began with Auger-Aliassime firmly in control, applying constant pressure on the Griekspoor serve. “Felix was all over me at the beginning, he had break points in every game I served,” Griekspoor admitted after the match. “I played those points quite well, but I was really just surviving throughout the first set.”
Despite creating four break opportunities in the opening set alone, the Canadian was unable to convert, and Griekspoor struck late, breaking in the ninth game of the set with what was virtually his first real threat. “Somehow I managed to break him at 4-4 and from that moment on I started playing a bit better. Like I said, the first set was a bit of a steal,” he joked.
Griekspoor grew in confidence in the second set, finding a better rhythm on his forehand and again capitalizing at the crucial moment. “The second set was better for myself,” he reflected after sealing victory in one hour and 31 minutes.
At 28 years old, the world No. 34 will play the fifth final of his career and the second on grass, having lifted the trophy in ’s-Hertogenbosch in 2023. “This is a club where I used to come a lot in the past, so I know it quite well,” he said of his connection to the Mallorca Country Club. “It would be a special feeling to lift the trophy tomorrow, but there’s still one more match to go. I’m really looking forward to it.”
Griekspoor becomes the fifth Dutchman to reach multiple grass-court finals in the Open Era, joining the likes of Tom Okker, Richard Krajicek, and Sjeng Schalken. “Any title is special. Like you said, I’ve already won one at home, but they all mean something.”
Earlier in the day, the first doubles semifinal also took place on Centre Court. Yuki Bhambri and Robert Galloway booked their place in the final with a 6-1, 7-6(4) win over Guido Andreozzi and Theo Arribage. They will play for the title on Saturday against Santiago González and Austin Krajicek.
