Jarkko Nieminen is ready for his third final of the If Stockholm Open. Today he defeated two-time If Stockholm Open champion, James Blake 7-6, 5-7, 6-2. After the match, he did three push-ups and kissed the floor at the Kungl. (Royal) Tennis Hall — a push-up for every final he has reached in the tournament.

Before today's match Jarkko Nieminen had only won one of seven matches against James Blake. But today, he succeeded in defeating the American for the second time and advanced to his third final of the If Stockholm Open.

“I didn’t do much wrong in the match,” said a delighted Nieminen at the press conference.

The first set went to a tiebreaker, where the Finnish player managed to hold on to his second set point and take home the set. The match was back and forth with a score of 5-5 in the second set when Nieminen got five break points in Blake's serve. But the American managed to save all the break opportunities and advance to 6-5. During Nieminen’s serve, Blake quickly got to three set points and managed to seize one of them and win the second set 7-5.

The third and deciding set began with three breakthrough serves. With an advantage of 2-1, Nieminen was able hold his serve and go up 3-1. At 4-2 Nieminen managed to break Blake's serve once again and then served the game home.

After the match point, Nieminen did three push-ups and kissed the floor at the Kungl. (Royal) Tennis Hall — a push-up for every final he has reached in the tournament. Tomorrow he has a chance to take his first title in the If Stockholm Open, where he will play either Gaël Monfils or Milos Raonic.

“If I continue playing like I am playing now, I have a chance against almost anyone in this tournament. If I play against Monfils, it will be a very tough match, physically, and if I play against Raonic, it becomes a whole different ball game with shorter rallies,” said Nieminen.