The first exchanges were an invitation to optimism (8-4). The Northerner then tensed up at 10-7. He was going to let five set points slip away! The Ukrainian Maksim Nikolenko did not tremble (14-12) in a tense room, as if it was also held by the stakes.
Bis repetita in the second set. Clément Berthier took the upper hand (5-1), before cracking. His opponent passed a 9-2 (10-8) and doubled the stake (11-9). As in 8e final, the young man from Bouvignies found himself with his back to the wall. Once again, the Northerner laid the foundations, succeeded in the approach work, to the point of offering himself four set points. The Ukrainian saved two, but his return of service, after the time-out, remained in the net (11-8).
Clément Berthier continued (5-1), more accurate, disrupted Nikolenko by relying on his service. He came back to two sets all at the speed of sound (11-6). The Arena of Paris Sud had also found the right temperature.
“The first set, I have to win it”
In the decisive set, the two men traded blows (5-5, then 7-7). At 9-9, after a huge rally, Clément Berthier had a match point, synonymous with a semi-final and therefore a medal. He didn’t convert. Once, twice. The Ukrainian was much more effective (11-13). I’m obviously very disappointed, I have two match points. He played well at the end. I have to win the first set, I have several set points. “Five in the first, two in the final round. Clément Berthier will have lacked opportunism.
The Games are over for the Northerner. The result will still be pretty good, we got a double medal. It’s good to get a medal at the Games.. » He will return to Los Angeles in 2028.
