Hangzhou Open Semifinals Set For Thrilling Showdowns

The ATP 250 Hangzhou Open has reached its boiling point, with both semifinals promising high-octane tennis and contrasting storylines. As the city of Hangzhou buzzes with anticipation, four players stand on the brink of a career-defining final, each bringing distinct strengths and recent histories to the court. Monday, September 22, 2025, will see Corentin Moutet and Valentin Royer face off in an all-French battle, while Alexander Bublik and Yibing Wu square off in a clash of styles and crowd loyalties. With the stakes higher than ever, fans and analysts alike are eager to see who will seize the moment.

The first semifinal features Corentin Moutet, ranked No. 39 in the world, against the surging Valentin Royer, currently No. 88. This is their first meeting, and it’s shaping up to be a true test of nerves and adaptability. Moutet is known for his crafty left-handed play, mixing up angles and deploying a wicked slice to disrupt opponents’ rhythm. He’s favored to win the match with -150 odds, while Royer enters as the underdog at +115. Despite the odds, Royer’s recent performances suggest he’s not to be underestimated. According to the latest moneyline, Royer has a 60.0% implied probability to pull off the upset—an intriguing twist that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Looking at their 2025 hard court records, both players have shown resilience and flashes of brilliance. Royer boasts a 12-6 record on hard courts this year, winning 82.5% of his service games and 26.1% of return games. He’s been especially effective on break points, converting 39.9% (55 out of 138) and ranking 45th in this category. His journey to the semifinals has been marked by a newfound confidence, described as playing with “freedom” and not shying away from big baseline exchanges. Royer’s run in Hangzhou already has the feel of a breakthrough, and his ability to turn defense into offense has impressed many observers.

Moutet, meanwhile, is searching for his first hard court title of 2025. His record stands at 12-8 on the surface, with a remarkable 95.9% of service games won and 10.6% of return games captured. He’s also been sharp on break points, converting 40.3% (71 of 176). Moutet’s style is all about variety and forcing errors, using his lefty slice to keep the ball low and mix up the tempo. If he can dictate play and force Royer into uncomfortable half-volleys, he’ll have a real shot at controlling the match. However, if Royer can impose his deep, heavy hitting and capitalize on quick first-strike tennis, the momentum could swing his way.

Both players come into the semifinal after early exits at the US Open. Royer was beaten by Denis Shapovalov in the Round of 64 on August 28, while Moutet fell to Jordan Thompson in the Round of 128 on August 24. Despite these setbacks, their performances in Hangzhou have reignited hopes for a strong finish to the season. Royer’s 2025 match record is 18-10, with a set record of 44-30 and an average of 7.3 aces per match. He’s won 93 break points so far. Moutet’s numbers are equally impressive: a 28-20 match record, 67-58 in sets, 3.5 aces per match, and 150 break points won. These stats paint a picture of two players who are evenly matched in many respects, setting the stage for a nail-biting encounter.

“This is as much a chess match as a power duel,” noted one analyst from LWOT. “Corentin Moutet lives off variety, angles, and the lefty slice that can shorten rallies and force opponents to re-construct points, while Royer has ridden a confidence wave through the week and looked comfortable turning defense into offense.” The consensus among pundits is that the match will be decided by the smallest of margins—a few timely returns or a late-set surge could tip the balance.

On the other side of the draw, Alexander Bublik and Yibing Wu are preparing for a showdown that promises fireworks. Bublik, known for his booming serves, cheeky shotmaking, and unpredictability, has already claimed an ATP title this season. His ability to rack up aces and winners makes him a constant threat on hard courts. Wu, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum after upsetting second seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals—a result that electrified the Hangzhou crowd and transformed Wu from a dark horse into a genuine contender.

This will also be the first meeting between Bublik and Wu, adding an extra layer of intrigue. Neither player can rely on past matchups, making the first set especially critical. Bublik’s game revolves around aggressive serving and quick points, while Wu’s footwork and timing on returns could extend rallies and force errors. The crowd’s support for Wu could play a significant role, especially if the match goes deep into deciding sets.

“Bublik brings the full circus: booming serves, cheeky shotmaking and the sort of variety that can flip a match in an instant,” observed a commentator from LWOT. “Wu, meanwhile, has been lifted by the Hangzhou crowd and produced one of the tournament’s biggest results by upsetting second seed Daniil Medvedev in the quarters—that kind of win can flip a player’s temperament from tentative to dangerous.”

With both semifinals featuring players at different stages of their careers and with contrasting playing styles, the Hangzhou Open is delivering the kind of drama tennis fans crave. The all-French semifinal is a battle of craft versus momentum, while the Bublik-Wu clash is a test of power against local passion. The outcomes are far from certain, and with so much at stake, every point will matter.

As the semifinals get underway, all eyes will be on Hangzhou to see which players can handle the pressure, seize their opportunities, and book a spot in the final. Will Moutet’s variety and experience carry him through, or will Royer’s confidence and heavy hitting cause an upset? Can Bublik’s fireworks overcome Wu’s home-court advantage, or will the Chinese star ride the wave of local support to the title match?

One thing’s for sure: with the semifinals set and tension at a fever pitch, the Hangzhou Open is serving up some of the most compelling tennis of the season. The storylines are rich, the stakes are high, and by the end of Monday, the finalists will be revealed. Until then, fans will just have to sit tight and enjoy the ride.