Russia’s Andrey Rublev meet french Gael Monfils for the Qatar Exxon Mobil Final

The 20-year-old fought tooth-and-nail with Pella, eventually saving a match point while serving at 4-5 before clinching his victory with a well-played tiebreaker to earn a spot in his second career final.

Rublev’s 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(2) victory sets a final with Gael Monfils, who advanced when Dominic Thiem pulled out due to illness.

The physical, thrilling encounter lasted two hours and 26 minutes and left Rublev feeling elated.

"It feels amazing. I have no words to describe this match," Rublev said. "I think it was such an amazing match for both of us. We made amazing rallies, such unreal rallies. I'm really happy that I won. I can say only good job to Pella for how he played.”

Monfils will contest his 27th ATP final. He is a three-time runner-up at Doha and last reached the final in 2014 (loss to Nadal).

Monfils is contesting his first event since the U.S. Open after spending time during winter rehabbing from a knee injury.

He and Rublev have never met. The Russian can crack the Top 30 for the first time with a title in Doha.