Strength remained at the striking power and the logic of the ATP ranking. 36th in the world and seeded 1, Arthur Fils qualified for the final of the Masters Next Gen, played in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), defeating Luca Van Assche, 70th and seeded 2. The protégé of Sébastien Grosjean and by Sergi Bruguera won 2-4, 4-1, 4-3 (1), 4-3 (6), in 1h36, thus taking his revenge on the final of the 2021 Roland-Garros juniors, which he had lost 6-4, 6-2. In the fast-paced indoor playing conditions of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), his firepower made the difference. In six editions, this is the first time that a French player has reached the final of a Next Gen Masters.
Despite the 2h40 of his fight the day before against Alex Michelsen, Van Assche entered the match at full speed. Especially on serve, where he was more impressive than his rival (only two points lost during the first set). Son thus redacted his service game at 2 everywhere, notably committing two backhand faults. On the break point that followed, Van Assche performed wonders in defense to pocket a point after 19 rallies. Confident of his doing, he will win 12 of the last 14 points of the initial set.
A very poor service game cost him a break in the fourth game of the second set. Which allowed his rival to logically come back to the level. The semi-final was undoubtedly played out in the last bends of the third set. Summoned to erase two set points at 2-3, 30-40, Son then brought in the heavy artillery, on the serve and on the forehand. He thus stole nine of the last ten points (7-1 in the tie-break).
He confirmed his ascendancy in the fourth act. Where Van Assche had to erase three match points to maintain hope. But he hit a backhand too long in the fourth. Son will face the winner of the match between the Serbian Hamad Medjedovic (110th ATP) and the Swiss Dominic Stricker (94th) in the final on Saturday.
