Dolgopolov reaches Brisbane final

BRISBANE: Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov upset second-seeded Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday to reach the final of the Brisbane International with ease.

Despite needing treatment in the second set for a groin injury, the 23-year-old Dolgopolov dominated his opponent with his powerful serve and blistering groundstrokes.

Simon had gone into the match as the favourite after cruising through his opening three rounds without dropping a set.

By contrast, the third seed Dolgopolov had struggled throughout and was involved in two of the three longest matches of the tournament, including having to save three match points in his second-round clash with Igor Andreev.

But by midway through the first set it became obvious that the Frenchman was struggling with his game and was finding it hard to cope with Dolgopolov's shot-making.

Simon, whose forehand misfired throughout, was broken twice in the opening set and once in the second as Dolgopolov eased his way to a deserved victory.

He will take on top-seeded Briton Andy Murray in Sunday's final. (AFP)