One out of two for French players this Saturday in semi finals of Play In Challenger Lille. Arthur Rinderknech (90th) justified his top seed status of the tournament to reach final, upsetting last year winner Otto Virtanen. Unfortunately, Pierre-Hugues Herbert (166th) was ousted by belgium De Loore (211st).
The good news is that one French player will be at the rendez-vous of the final for this 6th edition of Play In Challenger this Sunday (3 pm). Arthur Rinderknech eventually took down last year winner: Otto Virtanen (131st), in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. Top seed of the tournament scared himself by missing 5 opportunities to lead 5-3 in the second set before losing his serve (4-4). He then missed two opportunities to debreak before having to play a dangerous third set. « Maybe I was missing one of two tricks in that moment, whereas my opponent managed to play his best level when the situation was tense. It was hard, I had to remain focus on my match, and not to be too nervous», declared Arthur Rinderknech.
In the other semi final of the day, it was less complicated for Joris De Loore, who had so far spent more than seven hours on the courts during his first three rounds; Belgium made things easier by upsetting French player in two sets : 7-5, 6-4 in 1h41. « Likely, because I started feeling a bit exhausted, after playing so many hours… I played a very strong match, it was not easy», commented native from Bruges, arrived this week in Lille with some doubs on his tennis level, due to lack of rythm, but relieved by his performances on the court.
In doubles, final was won by the team Christian Harrson / Marcus Willis against French Giovanni Mpetchi Perricard /Titouan Droguet 7-6, 6-3.
This Sunday at 3 pm, Play In Challenger final will be broadcasted by l’Équipe Live (free) and on the channel beIN Sports Max 8.
