Roberto Bautista Agut reached the final at the Valencia Open after saving five match points on his way to a 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (10-8) victory over Steve Johnson on Saturday (31 October).

Script:

Steve Johnson going into this semi-final in Valencia had already knocked out two Spaniards and was looking for third home victim.

Roberto Bautista Agut was the man who stood in his way, and the only seed left in the tournament.

Johnson would take the opening set with some blistering forehands, coupled with a deft touch at the net.

However the Spaniard had never lost to the American on their three previous meetings.

Bautista Agut broke and then served out to level up the match at 1-all.

The home favourite would face a match point on the Johnson serve in the decider

The deciding tie-breaker continued to 9-8 Bautista Agut, the Spaniard on the front foot forcing this unforced error from Johnson.

Bautista Agut clinched it and will now face a fellow Iberian in the final, in the shape of Portugal's Joao Sousa.