Rodion Alimov and Alina Davletova have made it to the final of the 2021 European Championships.

Yesterday, the 2017 European Junior mixed doubles champions secured the first ever European mixed doubles medal for Russia, and on the semifinals day the two childhood friends continue to deliver to their absolute top level.

The Russians secured the medal beating French number two seeds, Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue in straight games, and today the Russians took out the number three seeds of the tournament.

Thrilling finish
In a thrilling match against Mark Lamsfuss and Isabel Herttrich the Germans won the opening game 22-20. The Russians bounced back winning the second game 21-14, before the two pairs went all the way down the ladder to a two-point-decision.

The Russian number six seeds took their first ever victory against Lamsfuss and Herttrich winning the decider 24-22.

- We are quite disappointed. I made an easy mistake and in the end we were very unlucky on a decision on the line, which was out. It is a game, and we have to accept it, Mark Lamsfuss said it.

Faster shuttles
On the other hand the Russians, naturally, were happy with the outcome of the opening match on the semifinals day.

- We are full of emotions now and happy that we managed to make it possible. We are for sure ready for tomorrow, and we are going to win, Rodion Alimov said.

- The shuttles were a bit faster than the other days, so that was a focus, and the faster shuttles made us play a more attacking game, he added.

In the final either Danish or English opponents will await the Russians. Top seeds Marcus Ellis and Lauren Smith will be facing the first time European medalling duo Alexandra Bøje and Mathias Christiansen.