Andy Murray advanced to the final of the Stuttgart Open courtesy of a 7-6 [7-5] 6-2 success over a typically fiery Nick Kyrgios in Saturday's semi-final.
The 35-year-old had already dumped top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas out of the ATP 250 event and took just over an hour-and-a-half to get the better of Kyrgios in straight sets.
A tightly-fought first set would be devoid of any breaks - although Kyrgios missed two opportunities to do so - before the tie-break, which Murray edged to gain the upper hand.
The volatile Kyrgios picked up a point and a game penalty not long after, with the Australian smashing his racquet onto the grass and being penalised for unsportsmanlike conduct.
After breaking straight away in the second set, Murray and his eye-catching first serves proved too strong for Kyrgios, as the Brit posted an 83% win rate on his first serve and made his 70th career final after the Australian netted a forehand.
Murray - whose most recent grass-court final was the 2016 Wimbledon showpiece event - spoke of his pride at making the final during his on-court interview as he prepares to take on Italy's Matteo Berrettini.
"It has been a long time since the last final [on grass]. A lot of ups and downs, but I kept going and kept working and finally managed to get to another one. I am proud of the effort I have put in," Murray said.
"I was just a little more solid in the tie-break. I asked the questions. On these courts, when it is playing quick, the set often comes down to one or two points and I was a little more secure at the end of the first set.
© Reuters
"You're always battling yourself as well as the opponent, it's one of the difficult things about individual sports. Nick has the potential to be one of the best players in the world, there's absolutely no question about that. But he obviously got very frustrated in the second set and made it a lot easier for me.
"I'm happy to be in the final. I've played well this week and I've got a great opportunity against Matteo tomorrow."
Murray's fellow Brit Dan Evans was competing in a semi-final of his own in Nottingham, and the top seed continued his strong grass form with a two-set victory over Jack Sock.
The 2019 champion is yet to drop a set on home soil in the tournament and kept up that impressive streak on Saturday as he secured a 7-5 6-3 triumph against the American.
Sock failed to take two set points in the opening set before Evans returned with a bang, and the Brit took the first match point available to him to advance to the final.
"I knew it was going to be a tough match. He is a great competitor. It is probably my toughest match so far so I'm just happy to come through," Evans said during his on-court interview.
"I nicked it really from a few points here and there and got out of trouble. It is great to be into another final. Every time I get the chance to play on this court it's a pleasure and I really appreciate it."
Third seed Jordan Thompson of Australia awaits Evans in the final after the 28-year-old defeated compatriot Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-2 in the other semi-final.
Ben Knapton
