Open de Vendée Semifinals Set as Four Players Advance at Le Vendéspace
Four players remain in contention for the 13th title at the Open de Vendée after a decisive day of quarterfinal matches at Le Vendéspace in Mouilleron-le-Captif. Joel Schwaerzler, Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg, Clément Chidekh, and Henry Bernet secured their places in the penultimate round of the ATP Challenger 75 tournament, guaranteeing a weekend of high-stakes tennis at the multi-purpose arena near La Roche-sur-Yon.
Joel Schwaerzler Powers Past Lucas Poullain in Straight Sets
Joel Schwaerzler ended the run of French wild card Lucas Poullain with a 6-4, 6-1 victory lasting just one hour and ten minutes. Poullain resisted for the majority of the opening set before conceding a crucial break at the worst possible moment. The Austrian capitalised on the opening, completely dominating the second frame to advance. Poullain departs after a notable tournament run that included an upset win over the top seed.
Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg Overcomes Clément Tabur in Three Sets
Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg extended his winning streak to eight matches by overcoming compatriot Clément Tabur 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. Tabur claimed the first set and broke first in the second, but the 1.91-meter Frenchman absorbed the pressure to turn the match around. Gueymard Wayenburg, who changed his training structure over the summer and enters the semifinals following a title win in Rennes, displayed steady composure to defeat the fourth-seeded Rémois.
Henry Bernet Fends Off Félix Balshaw in Duel of One-Handed Backhands
Henry Bernet defeated Félix Balshaw 3-6, 6-2, 6-3 in a clash featuring two players known for their single-handed backhands. Balshaw struggled with his first-serve consistency and lost momentum in the deciding set, allowing the 19-year-old Swiss player to claim the victory. Bernet, who holds a junior Grand Slam title from the 2025 Australian Open and trains under Severin Lüthi, enters the semifinals carrying momentum from early-season professional success on the ITF circuit.
Clément Chidekh Advances Following Harold Mayot Retirement
Clément Chidekh advanced to the semifinals after Harold Mayot retired with an abdominal injury. The match stood at 3-6, 6-2, 2-0 in favor of Chidekh when Mayot, the tournament’s seventh seed, was forced to halt play despite a promising start to the contest.
Semifinal Schedule and Tournament Details at Le Vendéspace
Tickets are available at opendevendee.fr and on-site at the venue, with prices starting at €11. The tournament, established in 2013, serves as an established stepping stone for emerging talent; past participants include current world number one Jannik Sinner, Félix Auger-Aliassime, Andrey Rublev, Corentin Moutet, and Ugo Humbert.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Open de Vendée Semifinals
Who are the remaining players in the singles draw?
The four semifinalists are Joel Schwaerzler from Austria, and Frenchmen Sascha Gueymard Wayenburg and Clément Chidekh, alongside Swiss player Henry Bernet.
Where is the tournament being hosted?
The matches are played at Le Vendéspace, a multi-purpose complex located in Mouilleron-le-Captif near La Roche-sur-Yon.
What category is the Open de Vendée?
The event is an international men’s professional tennis tournament categorized on the ATP Challenger circuit at the Challenger 75 level.
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