Felix Auger-Aliassime is the only player left in Montpellier, and he is joined in the semi-finals by two qualifiers. Saturday’s lineup pits Titouan Droguet and Martin Damm vs. Adrian Mannarino.
(1) Felix Auger-Aliassime vs. (Q) Titouan Droguet
Auger-Aliassime retired in her first round match at the Australian Open last month, but a return trip to the Open Occitanie appears to be just what the doctor ordered. The reigning and defending champion followed up the bye with straight wins over Stan Wawrinka and Arthur Fils.
The Auger-Aliassime draw takes place in Saturday’s semi-final with Droguet on the other side of the net. The French player registers in the 150th place in the rankings and had won only three matches on the main tour in his entire journey before arriving in Montpellier. Droguet advanced with wins over Jan Choinski, Aleksandar Kovacevic, and Tallon Griekspoor. Going up against one of the best indoor players in the world will likely see the end of the 24-year-old’s successful tournament.
Select: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Adrian Mannarino vs. (Q) Martin Damm
Mannarino and Damm will also be facing each other for the first time in their careers on Saturday. Although Mannarino has been defeated left and right before this week, the appearance in the semi-finals is not surprising because the setting is France’s home field. The 37-year-old lefty is a completely different player when you put him on this type of field or grass. He was also silent in front of the home crowd, earning a place in the last four, losing to Pedro Martinez, Ugo Humbert, and Arthur Gea.
Damm’s best result came at the expense of Hubert Hurkacz, Roberto Bautista Agut, and Luca Nardi – all in straight sets. In three rounds at the major tournament, the 6’8″ American has hit 40 aces and has faced just two break points. In five matches (two in qualifying), Damm has never been down once. With the 22-year-old and Mannarino coming off two tough games, the younger player should have the edge in this game on the left.
Choose: Damm in 3
