Practically 24 hours after profitable a four-hour quarter-final marathon, Ugo Humbert returned to courtroom Saturday, when he superior to the championship match on the Sardegna Open. The Frenchman will combat for the title towards Laslo Djere, who rallied to upset second seed Ben Shelton on the ATP Challenger Tour 175 occasion in Cagliari.

The Frenchman Humbert ousted Daniel Elahi Galan 6-2, 7-6(3). Regardless of holding a 5-2 lead within the second set, together with a match level on serve at 5-4, the 24-year-old was pushed to a tie-break earlier than closing out the match in a single hour, 41 minutes; a pointy distinction to Humbert’s four-hour, 13-minute victory towards Taro Daniel within the quarter-finals, the place he saved three match factors to outlive.

“I used to be simply making an attempt to do my finest each level, even when I used to be serving for the match,” Humbert stated in his post-match press convention. “You must keep centered and anticipate a very good alternative.”

Humbert, a seven-time Challenger champion, will purpose for his first clay-court title in Sunday’s last.

“Usually I solely win one or two matches on clay per yr, however I’m having fun with it this yr,” Humbert stated. “Tremendous proud to be within the last.”

Fourth seed Djere defeated World No. 38 Ben Shelton 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to succeed in his first Challenger last since June 2018.

Laslo Djere celebrates a semi-final victory on the Sardegna Open.” />
Laslo Djere celebrates a semi-final victory on the Sardegna Open. Credit score: Mike Lawrence/ATP Tour

This isn’t the primary time the Serbian Djere has discovered success in Cagliari. In 2020, Djere captured his second tour-level title on the ATP 250 occasion on the Italian island.

In doubles motion, high seeds Maximo Gonzalez and Andres Molteni will contest third seeds Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler within the championship match.

Prepared. For. This. 👊#ATPChallenger | @federtennis pic.twitter.com/dGoGLZJChG

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) Might 6, 2023