By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday February 10, 2023
Arthur Fils defeated Quentin Halys to become the youngest French ATP semifinalist since 2004.
Photo Source: TTV
The next wave of French men’s tennis appears to have hit the shore in Montpellier. Arthur Fils, aged 18 and ranked 163 entering this week, has become the youngest French man to reach an ATP semifinal since Richard Gasquet in 2004.
It was a victory over the legendary Gasquet, in the opening round, that started Fils’ run at the Open Sud de France. He defeated Roberto Bautista Agut in the second round and on Friday knocked off compatriot Quentin Halys, 7-6(3), 6-3.
Fils dropped just 15 points on serve, and won 16 of 23 second-serve points.
The 2021 Roland-Garros Boys’ Singles champion had never won a match on tour prior to this week.
He will face a Top-20 player for the first time in Saturday when he takes on Italy’s Jannik Sinner.
Sinner defeated Lorenzo Sonego 6-4 6-2 on Friday, to improve to 6-2 on the season.
Fils is slated to rise to No.117 in the rankings – he would go to about 105 in the live rankings if he can manage the upset of Sinner.