TENNIS thread- The Asian swing limps to a humid close- let's chuck away the ice towels and head to Europe.

[Raahh]

Via a couple of Exhibitions in Saudi Arabia.

Thread was coming to an end (if I can work out how to link it!).

They’re making me cry

Valentin is crying.

And I am not impressed by Daniil ruining this moment.

Valentin's response shows what sportsmanship is like- they have to play each other!

Unbelievable 😊

Oh this is fabulous.

I'm crying now.

Aahh well done Arthur - lovely scenes

Wow! Just seen the result!
What was the problem with Daniil?

How are they going to be able to play each other in the final if they are crying?
They'll both need their game face on otherwise it may turn into a damp squib

I wanted Daniil to win the tournament, but the sight of Valentin in tears and hugging his cousin is difficult to resist.

No one in the family dreamed of it

He’s completely shocked that he won

Haha, he thought he was going to lose the match so resolved to try and tire Daniil out to help Val!

I think today gave them the chance to get it out of their system- and tomorrow they can go out and be professional about it.

I think Valentin might even have the edge- Arthur seems exhausted - although they both had mentally tough matches in different way.

Arthur looks in a daze in his interview.

Daniil felt - from the start- that Mo was out ot get him. And would be giving everyone else a free ride. Which was a shame, because he let things get to him, when he has been starting to show signs of being back to his best.

He might be starting next year with another new coach, unless Thomas is a glutton for punishment.

That is funny.

Nearly worked too well. He wore himself out instead!

Daniil seems to have convinced himself that he's the victim of a grand umpire conspiracy.

Thanks Raahh

Well this is a good start- a lengthy pre-amble- and one of the crowd is still not sitting down when play starts.

No idea who I want to win.

Kind of feel like Roger being there over shadows things for them a bit.

I bet the head of the Monaco tennis federation didn't see herself doing this this week .

Morning everyone
it’s finals day 😃

Good start from Arthur.

I'm glad it's a pretty full house. Spectators are really behind them both- even if it's maybe not the finl anyone expected.

Be interesting to see if the crowds for the Wuhan final are any better than they have been all week. Were really sparse for the semi finals.

Enjoying the cousins' matchup. Arthur's shirt brings out his eye colour beautifully.

I would like this to go to 3 sets, feels like it should really.

I think Valentin might be struggling a bit though. The occasion might be starting to get to him.

Valentin has the break.

A 3rd set could be on.

Yes Val! This was deserving of a third set.

I think Val could have the edge now- he seems the less tired of the two.

Some great shots from him.