(Montpellier) Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime was defeated in the semi-final at the South of France Open on Saturday, losing 4-6, 6-4 and 6-4 to Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan.
The second seed thus defeated the third, after two hours and 39 minutes.
Bublik had the upper hand 14-9 for aces and 3-2 for breaks.
FAA was the victim of six double faults, compared to four for Bublik.
Aged 26, Bublik won on his second match point, on serve.
He is one victory away from a fourth ATP title.
He and Auger-Aliassime divided the honors of their four confrontations.
The Canadian will reach 28e world rank, five places behind the Kazakh.
Bublik won the tournament in 2022. In the final, his rival will be Borna Coric, fourth seed. The latter led 6-3 and 4-1 when the favorite, Holger Rune, retired.