The Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah sets the stage for thrilling semifinals as top-seeded Arthur Fils and second-seeded Luca Van Assche gear up for a high-stakes encounter. The Frenchmen, who previously faced off at the Roland Garros junior final this year, are poised for another intense battle, this time in the semi-finals of the Next Gen ATP Finals.
Van Assche secured a straight-sets victory over Fils in their previous meeting at Roland Garros. This semi-final clash presents an opportunity for Fils to seek redemption and for Van Assche to reaffirm his dominance. Fils enters the match with a flawless 3-0 record in the Green Group, boasting impressive statistics in second-serve points won and return games won. On the other hand, Van Assche, finishing second in the Red Group at 2-1, faces a challenge in saving break points despite his strong performance in return games.
Both players have adjusted to the tournament’s innovations, adapting to new rules such as no on-court warm-up and a reduced shot clock. Van Assche acknowledged the novelty of the rules while expressing some difficulties with the no-warm-up policy.
Meanwhile, Dominic Stricker and Hamad Medjedovic are set to clash in the other semi-final. Medjedovic, thrilled about securing his place in the semis after defeating Abdullah Shelbayh, expressed respect for his opponent Stricker, anticipating an exciting match between them. Stricker, despite a 1-2 record in the Green Group, advances with his experience as a returning competitor, having reached the semis in Milan last season.
Medjedovic leads the field in several serve and return metrics, showcasing an impressive 3-0 record in the Red Group. Stricker’s past big-match experience, including a run to the US Open fourth round, has contributed to his confidence, despite a slightly challenging performance in Jeddah so far.
As the Jeddah semi-finalists prepare to compete under the spotlight, the opportunity to vie for the Next Gen ATP Finals title looms large. With none having experienced the ultimate finals match in this tournament before, Friday night holds the promise of crowning a breakout season with the coveted title. The excitement builds as these emerging talents vie for glory in this thrilling showcase of the sport’s future stars.
Arthur Fils in 2023
At the moment ranked no.36 (career-high), Fils played his last match on the 30th of November when he beat world no.94 Dominic Stricker 4-2 3-4(3) 4-2 4-3(5) in the round robin in the Next Gen ATP Finals (draw).
Currently, during this year the French player achieved a compiled 42-23 record. The French player clinched 2 titles in 2023 in the Oeiras 2 Challenger and Lyon. Fils was the runner-up in the Quimper Challenger and Antwerp.
Luca Van Assche in 2023
LLWWLWLWWL Now ranked no.70, Luca played his last match on the 30th of November when he overcame world no.97 Alex Michelsen 4-3(0) 3-4(4) 3-4(4) 4-1 4-3(6) in the round robin in the Next Gen ATP Finals (draw).
At the moment, during this season the French player owns a 34-29 match record. Van Assche has won 2 titles in 2023 in the Pau Challenger and the Sanremo Challenger.
Arthur Fils and Luca Van Assche have never played each other.
Dominic Stephan Stricker in 2023
LLW At the moment ranked no. (career-high), Lika played her last match on the 22nd of August 2021 when she surrendered to Divine Dasam Nweke 7-5 6-2 in the qualifications in (draw).
This season Peresypkina has a 1-2 match record.
Hamad Medjedovic in 2023
LWLWLWWWLW Ranked world no.110, the Serbian played his last match on the 30th of November when he overcame world no.185 Abedallah Shelbayh 3-4(6) 4-2 4-3(5) 4-2 in the round robin in the Next Gen ATP Finals (draw).
This season Hamad has a 46-23 win-loss record. Hamad conquered 3 titles in 2023 in the Szekesfehervar Challenger, the Mauthausen Challenger and the Mallorca Challenger.
