The good pass continues for Constant Lestienne. Already a quarter-finalist in San Diego last week, the Frenchman (68th in the world) qualified for the last four in Tel Aviv by eliminating Maxime Cressy (34th) in three sets (6-7 [4]6-3, 7-6 [3]). At 30, this is the first time in his career that he has reached this stage of competition on the big circuit. On Saturday, he will face in the semi-finals Marin Cilic, who took advantage of Liam Broady’s package.
First victory against a member of the Top 50
The most impressive thing is that Lestienne showed no sign of nervousness during the game. For him, the stakes were quite enormous, but he was able to get out of a situation that was badly started without apparent difficulty. Deprived of the first set when he had no break point to discard, he was put on notice to save two break points in the fifth game of the second set. Almost match points given the quality of service from the American, who slammed a total of 28 aces. But Lestienne then managed two winning shots before signing his best comeback game at 4-3. Break in his pocket, he did not miss the opportunity to return to height.
Transfer of the first set, the third was also decided in the deciding game. Cressy scuttled there by spitting two double faults and three unforced errors. Lestienne completed his work with a service winner. This success is the most convincing of his career. Until then, he had lost the three matches which had pitted him against a member of the top 50.
