Frenchman Rinderknech saves nine match points to reach semi-finals in Gijon

The world No 56 snatched victory after three hours, 15 minutes to reach the last four

Arthur Rinderknech, Gijon 2022 – © Tennis TV

October 14, 2022

Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech saved nine match points in the final-set tiebreak as he beat Roberto Carreno Busta 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (16) on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Gijon Open.

The world No 56 edged out his more experienced opponent after a three-hour, 15-minute epic. He’ll meet either former world No 1 Andy Murray or American Sebastian Korda in the last four.

“It’s hard to talk now,” he said. “This match was completely crazy. I want to pay tribute to my grandmother who passed away five days ago, I dedicate my victory to her.

“The end of the game was… unbelievable and the atmosphere too. I work hard with my coach to win this kind of tournament, and it pays off with a qualification for the semis.”

It’s a third semi-final of 2022 for Rinderknech, who reached the final in Adelaide and last four in Doha at the start of the year.