ANTWERP, Belgium, Oct 19, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - France's Hugo Gaston stunned ninth-ranked Alex de Minaur in three sets to record his first career top 10 win and make the semi-finals of the Antwerp ATP tournament on Friday.

The 77th-ranked Gaston came through against the top seed 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to register his second win over the Australian having also prevailed at the 2022 French Open.

"It was really close. Alex is such a great player, playing unbelievable tennis this year and in the past few years," said Gaston.

Gaston will next face Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut who defeated third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (8/6).

Second seed Stefanos Tsitsipas was also knocked out on Friday, losing to 33rd-ranked Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic, 6-4, 6-4.

Appearing in his 14th tour-level quarter-final, 22-year-old Lehecka hit 19 winners, including eight aces and did not face a break point.

The fifth seed will play either Marcos Giron of the United States or Sweden's Zizou Bergs for a place on the final.