Swiss Open Gstaad Semi-Finals Round-Up | Stefanos Tsitsipas set to face Raphael Collignon in Sunday's final
ATPSaturday, 18 July 2026 at 15:55
Stefanos Tsitsipas is into the final of the Swiss Open Gstaad where he will face Raphael Collignon on Sunday aiming for his first title since 2022 when he won Mallorca and Monte-Carlo in what would be a much needed ranking boost for the Greek.
Tsitsipas took down Alexander Shevchenko who has had to play twice a day for the past few days after rain curtailed the opening few days. Tsitsipas himself has had to duel with the weather at times.
He won the opening set against Shevchenko going 4-3 up with a break of serve after a very snappy back and forth between the pair with no break chances coming from either wing and Tsitsipas was lucky he claimed it when he did as in theory, he wouldn't have got another chance. Shevchenko held from there for 5-4 then Tsitsipas held for 6-4 to claim the set.
The second set was a bit more back and forth as they game broke up a bit. Shevchenko though held the impetus and went 3-1 up. He had to claim three break points to do so doing it on the third but then he emphatically held for 4-1. Tsitsipas himself had break points to even hit back at 5-2.
But in the end, Shevchenko held his resolve and claimed the set 6-3. This threw a spanner in Tsitsipas' plan who had to return for a decider. There it was semi a carbon copy of the first at least right at the start as he went 3-2 up and even had break chances come and go for 4-2. Two in fact.
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Collignon downs Cerundolo
But he managed to hold for 4-3. He then broke at the death making it 5-3 and then he claimed his first match point. After a pretty terrible last two years, he is finally making strides again and awaiting him will be the Belgian ace Raphael Collignon.
Collignon defeated Juan Manuel Cerundolo 1-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-5. The latter no doubt will be kicking himself about letting it slip. The 24-year-old found himself with his back against the wall throughout with Cerundolo at many points having the impetus. After losing the first set 6-1, Collignon saved a match point against Cerundolo in the second set when the score was 5-3.
Raphael Collignon.
— ATP Tour (@atptour) July 18, 2026
Gstaad FINALIST 👏@SwissOpenGstaad | #SwissOpenGstaad | @RaphCollignon pic.twitter.com/Po97AMM4SP
It was looking for all the will in the world like Cerundolo would seal the win. But he didn't as Collignon forced his opponent into a tie-break and ultimately a deciding set. In that tie, Collignon appeared defeated once again. He trailed 5-2 and fought his way back, thanks to winning five games in a row, he secured his spot in the final of the ATP tournament for the first time in his career.
There he now faces off against Tsitsipas tomorrow in what has been a protracted end ot the week for both with both facing on and off court placings. But a champion will finally be crowned and we get an intriguing storyline of resurgent star in Tsitsipas vs a first time champion in Collignon. A player that has often shone as of late and he could pick up his biggest accolade yet.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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