Slavic N. edged Poling K. 7-6, 6-7, 7-6 in Rennes, taking two of the three tie-breaks in a match decided by the narrowest margins. Both players made exactly five breaks and won 13 service games each; Slavic's 16 aces to four was the clearest difference.
The opening set was chaotic, with six breaks: Poling broke at 2-1, 3-2 and 6-5, but Slavic answered immediately each time, including at 6-6 to force the tie-break he then won. The second set was tighter on serve, Slavic breaking at 2-3 before Poling levelled at 5-5 and claimed the tie-break. In the decider Poling broke straight away at 1-0, Slavic hit back at 3-3, and the set went to a third tie-break.
The numbers were almost inseparable: 126 total points for Slavic against 122 for Poling, and 75 service points won to 74. Slavic's serve carried him — 16 aces, two double faults and 93% second serves in, while Poling struck four aces with four double faults.