Tennis-Fils edges Rune in tiebreaks to set up Japan Open final with Humbert


  • Tennis
  • Monday, 30 Sep 2024

Tennis - Japan Open - Ariake Tennis Forest Park, Tokyo, Japan - September 30, 2024 France's Arthur Fils in action during his semi final match against Denmark's Holger Rune REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

(Reuters) - Arthur Fils fought through two nervous tiebreaks to beat Holger Rune 7-6(8) 7-6(10) on Monday to reach the final of the Japan Open, setting up a clash with fellow Frenchman Ugo Humbert in Tokyo.

Fils, 20, will aim for his second title of the year in Tuesday's final, while Humbert, who beat Czech Republic's Tomas Machac 6-3 3-6 6-2 in the first semi-final earlier in the day, will look to win his third hardcourt trophy this year.

A close line call did not go Fils' way when he had a set point in the first tiebreak, with Rune winning the replayed point to make it 6-6.

But Fils held his nerve and won the set with a light-touch backhand that left a frustrated Rune slamming his racket onto the court.

Fils broke early in the second set to take a 2-0 lead, but world number 14 Rune broke back in the next game and almost led 4-3 before Fils saved a break point to stay even as the second set went to a tiebreak as well.

The world number 24 Fils took a 6-3 lead, but Denmark's Rune saved five match points in the seesawing battle before Fils finally took victory with a precisely timed forehand, reaching the fourth ATP final of his career.

Fils' opponent in the final, world number 19 Humbert, bounced back from a second-set stumble against Machac earlier, controlling the third set with a superior first serve, hitting four aces and winning 13 of his 14 first serve points.

Paris Olympics mixed doubles gold medallist Machac was unable to score a single point in his last two service games, with Humbert converting match point with a strong forehand.

Humbert, who has won all six of his finals on the ATP tour, beat Fils in all their previous meetings, including twice this year.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tennis

Tennis-Canada's Andreescu withdraws from Billie Jean King Cup Finals
Tennis-Djokovic withdraws from ATP Finals due to injury
ATP roundup: Richard Gasquet saves match point, wins in Metz
Tennis-Top seed Sabalenka reaches semis at WTA Finals with win over Paolini
Tennis-Zverev outclasses Humbert in Paris Masters final
Tennis-Swiatek battles past Krejcikova in WTA Finals opener
Tennis-Zverev to face Humbert on return to Paris Masters final
Tennis-WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia can help 'open doors', says Gauff
Tennis-Tsitsipas' hopes of making ATP Finals over after loss to Zverev in Paris
Tennis-Sabalenka aims to deny Swiatek at WTA Finals, end year as number one

Others Also Read