Sam Querrey vs Christian Garin
Head to Head: First meeting
Querrey will be the fan favorite here as a former finalist and the only American left in the draw. As the #8 seed, he has put on an absolute serving exhibition, broken only once in 32 service games this week. Garin on the other hand has two very impressive wins; beating clay court specialist Pablo Cuevas in the opening round then topping #2 seed Jeremy Chardy in round 2. At world #72, Garin is currently at his highest ranking of his career at age 22, and will surely increase in rank after his performance this week. Garin also excels on clay courts, with 15 of his 17 career ATP tour level wins coming on the surface. He looks to reach his second career final, with his first coming this season in Sao Paolo also on a clay court. Querrey on the other hand, has found clay to be his weakest surface. He has won just 44% of his career matches on clay, compared to a 55% win percentage overall. That being said, he does have a career 14-9 mark here in Houston. This will be another exciting match where Garin will triumph as the player more in form and more comfortable on the surface, although the way Querrey has been serving he will be sure to keep it close.
Prediction: Garin in 3
Casper Ruud vs Daniel Galan
Head to Head:
Casper Ruud has looked truly excellent in Houston this week, with the 20-year-old reaching his third career tour level semifinal after losing the first two. He demolished Marcel Granollers 6-1 6-0 and has his sights on his first final. Galan has continued his improbable run to the semifinals. He knocked off two time defending champion Steve Johnson in round two and topped #7 seed Jordan Thompson in a rain delayed quarterfinal. Galan has played great tennis and showed he is absolutely no fluke and deserves to be here after taking the final spot in qualifying. This match takes place between two young potential future stars at ages 20 and 22 and will be very competitive. Ruud is much more rested and has been at this stage before and will win a close one, aiming for a title at River Oaks just like his dad did.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
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