TOKYO — Unseeded Frenchman Benoit Paire will take on Stan Wawrinka in the Japan Open final after storming back from a set down to upset home favorite Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Paire, competing in his first ATP Tour 500 semi-final, looked out of sorts in the opening set but found his range following a medical timeout in the second to re-tape his ankle.
The bearded 26-year-old Frenchman grew in confidence with some strong returns and big serves to secure a 1-6 6-4 6-2 win over the double defending champion, who became more tentative as the match wore on.