Shelton: "It was a very high-level match".

Ben Shelton has taken his revenge.

Faced with an Arthur Fils who had beaten him in the quarter-finals in Tokyo a few weeks ago, Ben Shelton this time handled the proceedings perfectly to win in two sets (6-3, 7-6).

Although he struggled at the end of the match, he showed great serenity to qualify for the final.

Interviewed on court, he declared with a smile: "I served very well today (Saturday), and I had to, because I know what Arthur is capable of when he touches the ball.

The aim was to let him know that I could hit the ball as cleanly as possible, and I did that very well. He served well, so there weren't many long points.

It was a very high-level match, and I don't know how I managed to pull out the tie-break in the second set.

I think it's always difficult to play against friends, but maybe it was a little easier for me because he beat me in Tokyo and I wanted revenge.

He won the title that week, so hopefully I can come and get it this week."