After a week of entertaining tennis, the semifinals of the first ATP Tour event on the season are upon us in Delray Beach, Florida. The semifinal lineup features a couple of surprising names, as well as players who have competed at this level before. Here are my predictions for today’s semifinals.
ATP Delray Beach Open Semifinal Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Sebastian Korda
Norrie got off to a very fast start in his quarterfinal against Frances Tiafoe. However, after dropping the second set, he had to fight hard to win the third 6-4. The Brit is looking to win his first ATP Title after making finals in Auckland and Lyon.
For Sebastian Korda, this is the American’s first ATP Tour semifinal. His quarterfinal win over John Isner was the best win of his career to date. Korda is already beginning to build on a strong Roland Garros last year, and has the game to quickly ascend up the ATP rankings in 2021. For Korda, this will be a test of how well he can handle the nerves of the occasion. Unlike Isner, Norrie does not possess an overly powerful serve or groundstrokes, but instead relies on consistency with his forehand being a solid shot that very rarely breaks down. I’m predicting this to go the distance, and I think the American could cause an upset in three tight sets.
Prediction: Korda in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Christian Harrison
This week is proving to be a highly successful one for Christian Harrison. The American, as well as being a singles semifinalist, is also in the semifinals of the doubles with his brother Ryan. Beating the likes of Gianluca Mager and Cristian Garin, the American has punched well above his weight to get to this stage. However, his $3,000 fine for refusing to do an on-court interview after being told he would have to wear a mask threatens to overshadow his brilliant week.
Hubert Hurkacz has reached this stage without dropping a set. However, he was tested by Roberto Quiroz in his quarterfinal match. Hurkacz has perhaps been overlooked recently due to the rise of players such as Jannik Sinner. However, the Pole has been consistently competing on the ATP Tour, and with wins over the likes of Denis Shapovalov and Dominic Thiem so far in his career, Hurkacz has a bright future. I think the Pole will have just a bit too much for Harrison, and I think he will prevail in straight sets.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
