Top-seeded Arthur Fils fought off fifth-seeded American Alex Michelsen 6-4, 7-6 (12) to reach the Brussels Open semi-finals on Friday, according to Field Level Media reports. Fils needed six match points to finally close out a 14-12 second-set tiebreaker in a one-hour, 50-minute thriller.
Fils won 79 percent of his first-serve points, recorded six aces and converted three of four break chances. Michelsen refused to go away, saving match point after match point, but Fils eventually found the winner that sent the home crowd into celebration.
Fils will face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff, who ended Belgium’s hopes of a home semi-finalist by defeating sixth seed Zizou Bergs 6-3, 7-6 (6). Struff’s win sets up a fascinating semi-final against the French top seed.
Griekspoor Upsets Lehecka In Brussels
The Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor rallied to eliminate second seed Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. Griekspoor converted three of four break points and overcame Lehecka’s 11 aces to reach his second semi-final of the season.
Griekspoor will play third-seeded Francisco Cerundolo after the Argentine dispatched French qualifier Clement Chidekh 6-2, 6-4. The Brussels semi-finals are now set, with Fils as the favourite but Griekspoor and Cerundolo both in strong form.
Brussels Delivers Late-Season Drama
A 14-12 tiebreaker is the kind of moment that defines a tournament. Fils showed remarkable composure to keep creating match points, and Michelsen showed equal courage to keep saving them. In the end, one point separated joy from heartbreak.
For Fils, the home crowd will be a huge advantage in the semi-final. For Struff, the chance to spoil the party is a powerful motivation. Saturday in Brussels promises more drama.
