Kyrian Jacquet reaches first main-tour semi-final in Hangzhou

Kyrian Jacquet has secured the biggest result of his career in Hangzhou, reaching his first semi-final on the ATP main tour. The run will also lift the 25-year-old Frenchman into the world’s top 100 for the first time when the next rankings are published. Jacquet had previously gone no further than the quarter-finals at this level, with that result coming in Metz less than a year ago.

The Frenchman earned his place in the last four by defeating Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan, the world No. 59, 7-6, 6-4 in one hour and 47 minutes. Jacquet, currently ranked 107th, held firm in a tightly contested opening set. Neither player gave up serve, leaving the outcome to a decisive tie-break that Jacquet eventually won 14-12 after both men had chances to close it out.

Jacquet made the difference early in the second set by breaking for a 3-2 lead. He then resisted Marozsan’s attempts to respond, saving all three break points he faced during the match. The Lyon player finished the contest on his first match point at 5-4, after a long exchange. His projected ranking is now 85th, giving him a substantial rise from his current position.

The result comes after Jacquet’s exit in US Open qualifying and gives him his first opportunity to compete in a main-tour semi-final. He will next meet fellow Frenchman Hugo Gaston on Monday. The Hangzhou campaign has already surpassed every previous performance by Jacquet at this level, with one more win required to take him into the tournament final.