The Swiss Indoors Basel has seen its fair share of drama in the quarter-finals, setting the stage for an eventful finish. Ugo Humbert has emerged as a strong contender for the title, continuing his impressive run after a notable victory over towering American Reilly Opelka. Humbert, who previously eliminated top-seeded Taylor Fritz, advanced to the semi-finals with a well-fought 7-6(0), 6-4 win against Opelka.
However, the quarter-finals were marred by two significant retirements that have cast shadows over the tournament. Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew from his match against Spain’s Jaume Munar after dropping the first set 6-3 in just 43 minutes. This setback is particularly damaging for Auger-Aliassime’s aspirations to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, as he now sits in ninth place in the Race to Turin standings, trailing eighth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti by 340 points. Musetti had earlier strengthened his position by reaching the semi-finals in Vienna.
In a similar turn of events, Denis Shapovalov also retired from his match against Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, with the score at 3-6, 6-3, 4-1. This marks a disappointing moment for Shapovalov, while Fonseca, now into his second tour-level semi-final of the year, looks to chase his second title after winning in Buenos Aires earlier in the season. Fonseca’s next challenge awaits against Munar.
In the other half of the draw, Humbert will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who capitalized on Casper Ruud’s misfortune. The Norwegian, who had just claimed the title in Stockholm, was forced to retire from their quarter-final match due to an ankle injury while trailing 7-6(1). This injury adds further uncertainty to Ruud’s hopes of competing in Turin.
Davidovich Fokina’s advancement to the semi-finals marks his sixth such appearance this season, a testament to his consistent performance on the ATP Tour. The stage is now set for an exciting climax in Basel, with Humbert and Davidovich Fokina vying for a spot in the championship match. As the tournament unfolds, all eyes will be on these players as they seek to overcome both physical and competitive challenges.
