Frenchman Gilles Simon booked his place in the final of the Open de Moselle but countryman Richard Gasquet had to forfeit his semi-final match.
Simon defeated German Philip Kohlschreiber 6-3 6-2 to set up the possibility of an all-French final in Metz, but Gasquet was unable to keep his date with Mischa Zverev because of illness.
"I have a sore throat, I've had a very bad night," Gasquet reported. "It was impossible for me to play. It's disappointing because I had just played two good matches."
Former world number six Simon, who has yet to clinch an ATP title this year, broke three times and was never bothered on his serve as he wrapped up a straightforward win with an ace.
"Serve really made the difference," Simon said. "It's a pity because I would have liked to face him, he would have deserved (to be in the final). Too bad for him."
