The American prevailed 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) in a two-hour, 45-minute showdown, advancing to his second final of the season and the ninth of his career.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the victory, Paul ended the second seed\u2019s hopes of reaching his fourth consecutive championship match at the ATP 250 event in Houston.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"I did a good job of playing when I needed to,\" Paul said. \"That was an incredible match with Big Foe. \"He has always been one of the most entertaining guys to watch. I am happy we got to play that match here.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paul struck first and claimed the opening set 7-5. Tiafoe responded by claiming an early break in the second set. Serving at 4-3, his momentum was disrupted by a 90-minute rain delay, but he returned composed, saved a break point and held firm before closing out the set, ATP reports.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The third set remained tight throughout. Tiafoe broke early but couldn\u2019t back it up, while Paul surged ahead 4-2 only for Tiafoe to claw back to 4-4. Both players refused to yield, sending the match into a tie-break.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paul led 6\/4 in the tie-break before Tiafoe saved two match points to draw level at 6\/6, with the fourth seed eventually steadying under pressure in the closing exchanges to seal the thriller.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The American will aim to win his first title of the season when he faces Roman Andres Burruchaga in the final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Paul led 6\/4 in the tie-break before Tiafoe saved two match points to draw level at 6\/6, with the fourth seed eventually steadying under pressure in the closing exchanges to seal the thriller.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With a win, Burruchaga marched into his first ATP Tour final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n