Shelton Down's friend Fils reaches the Basel final

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American Ben Shelton admitted it was “difficult” playing against his close friend Arthur Fils after he beat the Frenchman in straight sets to reach the Basel ATP final on Saturday.

The sixth-placed team prevailed 6:3, 7:6 (11/9) without suffering a break point.

Shelton is now in his second ATP 500 final after his 2023 title in Tokyo and will face another French player, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, in Sunday's final.

“I think it's always difficult playing friends, but maybe it was a little easier for me because he beat me in Tokyo and I wanted revenge,” said Shelton, 22.

“He won the title this week, so I hope I can come and get that title this week.”

By reaching the final, Shelton secured his return to the top 20.

Mpetshi Perricard, ranked 50th in the world, hit 17 aces on his way to defeating fourth-seeded Holger Rune of Denmark 7-6 (8/6), 6-4.

“It's great to be in the final,” said the 2.03m French giant, who won his first tour title in Lyon on the eve of the French Open in May.

Mpetshi Perricard defeated Shelton in straight sets in their only previous meeting on grass at the Queen's Club in June.