Shapovalov ahead of the final in Stockholm: "It's really exciting to be into my first final"

Shapovalov remained the only seeded player at the tournament and so he is a little favorite to lift the trophy. In the semifinals he defeated Yuchi Sugita 7-5 and 6-2.

"It feels amazing. Kind of a tough beginning. I think he played really well at the beginning," Shapovalov said. "I was a little bit nervous, so I'm really happy to turn the match around."

"I've played a lot of semis it feels like, so it's really exciting to be into my first final. I've had some bad luck, some tough matches in the semis," Shapovalov said. "But on the other side making the semi-finals is a good sign, so I knew sooner or later the win was going to come, so I've stayed pretty patient."

"I don't know him much. Obviously I've seen him play here and there, but he looks like he's got a pretty big serve. He likes to go for his shots, pretty similar to me. I think it's going to be an exciting match," Shapovalov said. "To be honest, I'm just happy to be through to my first final. The rest, I just get to enjoy. Obviously I'd love to win the match and win my first title, but if not, it's a big step to make the final this week, so I'm really happy with where I stand."

Krajinovic outplayed fifth-seeded Carreno-Busta 4-6, 6-3 and 6-3 and was not hiding his emotions after the victory.

“Thanks guys for coming to watch this match, it means a lot to me,” Krajinovic told the crowd. “Playing in the Stockholm final, it’s a dream come true.”

“For sure I will give my best. It’s my third ATP final,” Krajinovic said. “I hope tomorrow it’s going to be my first [trophy], but I know it’s going to be very difficult.”

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