Montpellier 2023 Day 6: Men's singles predictions ft. Arthur Fils vs Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune vs Maxime Cressy | Open Sud de France
The sixth day of main-draw action at the 2023 Open Sud de France in Montpellier on Saturday (February 11) will feature both men's singles semifinals.
On the fifth day of matches, wildcard Arthur Fils, second seed Jannik Sinner, top seed Holger Rune and Maxime Cressy won in the quarters to book their places in the last four. They respectively beat Quentin Halys, Lorenzo Sonego, Gregoire Barrere, and Borna Coric.
With defending champion Alexander Bublik and three-time winner Richard Gasquet stumbling in the opening round, a new winner at the Open Sud de France is guaranteed this weekend.
The semifinal lineup features the top three seeds and a qualifier. On that note, here's a look at how the two semifinals in Montpellier could pan out on Saturday:
#1 Arthur Fils vs Jannik Sinner
Qualifier Arthur Fils will take on second seed Jannik Sinner in the first semifinal of the Open Sud de France in Montpellier on Saturday.
The 163rd-ranked Fils is enjoying a dream campaign in the south of France. After toppling three-time winner Gasquet for his first ATP match win, the 18-year-old took out Roberto Bautista Agut to reach the last eight.
Fils continued his impressive run, beating compatriot Quentin Halys to make the last four. In the process, he became the youngest Frenchman to reach an ATP semifinal in nearly two decades (Gasquet - 2004 Metz).
Meanwhile, World No. 17 Sinner improved to 6-2 on the season, beating compatriot Lorenzo Sonego for his first win in Montpellier in three attempts. He had a walkover in the second round against Marton Fucsovics.
Magic in Montpellier 🪄
Sinner soars into the semi-finals ✨ https://t.co/jD2BCUa25J
In the pair's first meeting, Fils, who's yet to drop a set this week, could fall short against the higher-ranked Sinner but not without giving the Italian an almighty fright.
Prediction: Sinner in three sets
#2 Holger Rune (Montpellier top seed) vs Maxime Cressy
Top seed Holger Rune will look to continue his serene progress through the Montpellier draw when he takes on the unseeded Maxime Cressy.
Rune, the World No. 9, improved to 7-2 on the season with consecutive wins this week. Although he's yet to drop a set, Rune has been taken to three tiebreaks.
SF BOUND ✅
@holgerrune2003 takes out Barrere 7-6(2) 7-6(5) to advance in Montpellier 🔥
@OpenSuddeFrance | #OSDF23 https://t.co/s2ZzygTdYn
Meanwhile, Cressy, ranked 51st in the world, has improved to 4-2 in 2023 after three wins this week. He overcame third seed Borna Coric in the last eight and is yet to drop a set.
Rune took his lone meeting with Cressy at the Australian Open this year and should repeat the trick again.
Prediction: Rune in straight sets