Estonia’s Mark Lajal, who is the eighth seed, powered his way into the Odlum Brown VanOpen men’s singles final with a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory over Canadian favourite and wild card Keegan Rice in an hour and 19 minutes.

Lajal put on a dominant serving performance, firing five aces and winning 91 percent of his first-serve points while breaking Rice five times to control the match from the baseline.

The transition to Centre Court required a quick adaptation for Lajal, who had to weather an early push from the local crowd and his opponent. “In the beginning it was a bit difficult because I hadn’t played on this court before, so I had to get used to it literally,” Lajal said after the match. “He was coming out firing, so I had to deal with that. But I’m happy with my performance, I’m happy to be in the final, and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

Addressing the partisan Canadian spectators with a smile, Lajal added, “Thank you, everyone, for coming out. I’m sorry for beating your countryman, but he’s a great player, he’s playing well, so good luck to him.”

With the victory in hand, Lajal turned his focus straight to recovery – planning physio, meals, and watching the second semifinal – while reflecting on his debut appearance at Hollyburn Country Club. “I think it’s unbelievably beautiful. I mean, the views and everything are so nice,” he remarked. “Before coming here, obviously I knew about Vancouver, but I didn’t really know where it was… I came here, and I’m not disappointed. I’m really enjoying my time in Vancouver, and I’m looking forward to spending as much time here.”

American J.J. Wolf secured his spot in the men’s singles final with a crisp 6-3, 6-4 victory over qualifier Jay Friend of Japan in 87 minutes. Wolf was solid on his delivery, firing six aces and winning 93 percent of his first-serve points without facing a single break point option on his serve. By converting two of his eight break point opportunities and surrendering just 13 return points all match, the former World No. 39 controlled the tempo throughout to set up a championship showdown against Lajal.

Photo credit: Bo Mon Kwan