The pair have met twice previously with Jacob coming out on top in straight sets in the first round of the Indian Wells tournament in July.

In November 2025 Dzumhur won a meeting in the Hellenic Open, also in straight sets

To set up his latest title opportunity against a rival who, at world No 103 is only a few places lower, Jacob dispatched Luca Nardi (Italy) with minimum fuss (6-2, 6-4) in a performance characterised by consistent serving.

Having been plagued by double faults whatever Jacob appeared to have worked on during a short break at the start of this month appears to be paying dividends as he coughed up only one throughout – one more than in his quarter final.

Meanwhile, in another boost, Jacob, who has yet to drop a set in Sardinia, has been accepted straight into the main draw for the European Open, previously won by Andy Murray, in Brussels next week.

Jacob is due to open his campaign in Brussels against Frenchman Hugo Gaston.