Machac downs #NextGenATP Michelsen, reaches last four in Tokyo

Could Tomas Machac be dialling in at the perfect time to lift his maiden ATP Tour trophy in Tokyo?

The 23-year-old has seemingly tapped into the currents in the Japanese capital, breezing past #NextGenATP star Alex Michelsen on Sunday. With a stylish 7-6(2), 6-3 triumph, Machac is into his second ATP Tour semi-final at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships.

Machac struck 34 winners according to Infosys ATP Stats throughout their one hour and 35 minute clash, eventually outlasting Michelsen in the baseline exchanges. The Czech also fired eight aces, won 88 per cent of first-serve points and faced just one break point.

Achievement unlocked ??

Tomas Machac defeats Michelsen 7-6(2) 6-3 to reach his first ATP 500 semi-final.@japanopentennis | #kinoshitajotennis pic.twitter.com/UXMXHQsK9g

It was a commanding performance that was reflective of his ascent to No. 34 in the PIF ATP Rankings, backing up strong wins against Alexei Popyrin and Tommy Paul earlier in the week.

Michelsen, however, still occupies second place in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah and finds himself in a solid position to secure a spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals for a second consecutive year.

In the last four, Machac will face off against Ugo Humbert after Jack Draper was forced to retire from their clash with the Frenchman leading 7-5, 2-1.

The 22-year-old, who produced an inspired run to the US Open semi-finals earlier this month, took a medical timeout for an abdominal injury, but it was ultimately to no avail as he called time on their first Lexus ATP Head2Head contest.

Humbert is into his 16th ATP Tour semi-final, bidding to clinch his third title of 2024 after wins in Marseille and Dubai propelled him to a career-high of No. 13 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

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