The Generali Open Kitzbuhel semifinals have been set. Thursday’s s quarterfinals threw some upsets, changing the draw’s outlook. We still have two great semifinal matches set for Friday, though.Here’s a look at the matches and who we think will advance to Saturday’s final.
ATP Kitzbuhel Semifinal Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
This is the first time in his career that the Spaniard–currently World #69–has made it to the semifinals of three consecutive ATP Tour events. He is also a step closer to winning his second consecutive title after clinching the title in Gstaad last week. Against Ruud, whom he has defeated in their two previous meetings, it will be easier for the 31-year-old to make another trip to the final. But will the Norwegian, who has been on a good-run spree of his own in Kitzbuhel, falter after coming this far? The Spaniard is currently playing the best tennis of his career. That should see him through.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 2
Dominic Thiem vs Lorenzo Sonego
The top seed is trying to become the first home favorite since Thomas Muster in 1993 to hoist the title in Kitzbuhel. Against Pablo Andujar in the quarterfinal, he overcame a second-set blip–in which he trailed 0-3–before righting his course and staking his place in the semifinals.
The Italian Sonego, who saved nine match points in his opening two rounds, is a first-time opponent for the Austrian. And while there is a lot to lose for Thiem, there is no such pressure for the seventh-seeded Sonego. Could the #56 cause the biggest upset of the tournament yet, extending the wait of a nation? It should be a very tight match, but it’s time for Thiem to reach his first final at this tournament since 2014.
Prediction: Thiem in 3
Main Photo from Getty
