The semifinals are here! After a long week at the Hall of Fame Open, we have reached the final four! Who will reach the final and who will fall? Will No. 1 seed John Isner continue on his road to a fourth title in Newport? Read on to find out!
ATP Hall of Fame Open Semifinal Predictions
Marcel Granollers vs Alexander Bublik
Head to Head: never played
Marcel Granollers takes on Alexander Bublik with a trip to the Hall of Fame Open final on the line. Granollers hasn’t lost a set all week and only lost three games to Mischa Zverev in a rain-interrupted quarterfinal. The Spaniard did well to stay mentally focused after rain forced the match to be interrupted after the first set. Granollers, a semifinalist last year, will be looking to take his run a step further this year. Bublik has won every match this tournament in three sets. Bublik lost the first set of his quarterfinal 6-0, but was able to come back to win the match 0-6, 6-3, 6-0. With Bublik, even within a match, you never know what you’re going to get.
These two have never played before. Granollers has a clear understanding of how to defend and counterpunch on the low-bouncing Newport grass. His net play is also at a high level. Bublik has a huge serve and an unconventional game. You never really know what’s coming back to him and that unpredictability is an advantage. However, Granollers has a clear understanding of how to play at Newport and should be a little too steady for Bublik. Granollers wins.
Prediction: Granollers in 3
John Isner vs Ugo Humbert
Head to Head: never played
John Isner battles Ugo Humbert in the semifinals of the Hall of Fame Open. Isner has won both of his matches so far in three sets, including his quarterfinal win over Matthew Ebden. Isner showed mental toughness in coming back from a set down against Ebden. Humbert beat Ilya Ivashka in three sets to make the semifinals. After a round of 16 result at Wimbledon, Humbert did well to back that result up with a semifinal (at least) here.
These two have never played before. Humbert will have to contend with the unpredictable bounces on the Newport grass off of huge Isner serves if he wants to win this match. Humbert’s lefty game can tricky and Isner will need to be wary of a confident up-and-coming player. This match is on Isner’s racquet, as if he is serving well and can crack a few returns every now-and-then, he will almost assuredly win this match. Isner’s not playing his best, but his level improved against Ebden and I think think that he pulls this match out. Isner advances to the final, seeking his fourth Hall of Fame Open championship.
Prediction: Isner in 3
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