The 2020 Australian Open semifinals are set with Novak Djokovic facing Roger Federer, and Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem. Our panel of Jim Smith, Yesh Ginsburg, Steen Kirby and Ryan Schick offer their predictions on who will reach the final.
Alexander Zverev vs Dominic Thiem
Jim: This marks a great chance for both men to reach the final of a Grand Slam. Zverev has had a great tournament, his best by a distance at this level, but this promises to be his sternest test yet. Thiem may have struggled to get across the line against Nadal in the last eight, but there can be no doubt that the Austrian deserved his 7-6 7-6 4-6 7-6 win. He is also that much more experienced than the German, having played in four Major semifinals previously, albeit all at Roland Garros. That, combined with his 6-2 lead in his head-to-head with Zverev, should be enough to carry him into a third Major final. Thiem in 5
Ryan: Thiem has finally mastered hard courts after a truly brilliant win over Nadal. Zverev has finally overcome his well publicized struggles at grand slams. Both players have looked excellent this week and it will be an absolute slugfest. Thiem has the stronger mental game and will hold serve and convert a couple key breaks when it matters to win a close one. Thiem in 4
Yesh: This is the best Grand Slam run of Zverev’s career so far, but Thiem is just too good right now. The Austrian has been on top of the world since the end of last season, and he’s ready to take home the biggest title of his career. I don’t know if he can win the final, but he’ll definitely get there. Thiem in 4
Steen: Two of the formerly “Next Gen” talents that are now two wins away from a maiden slam. Zverev has posted his best result ever in best of 5 tennis, and has avoided exhausting himself with any brutal five setters thus far. If Thiem wins he’ll be in his third slam final and his first off of clay, hoping the third time is the charm. The Austrian upset Nadal in the last round and has looked really strong thus far. Given Thiem has more experience at this stage I expect him to find a way to get the job done, though either has the game to win it all. Thiem in 4
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