Seeded 2nd, Karen Khachanov will take on Jannik Sinner for a spot in the final of the ATP Great Ocean Road Open. On the top side of the draw, Thiago Monteiro will take on Stefano Travaglia, and one of them is set to become a maiden tour-level finalist. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Great Ocean Road Open Semifinal Predictions
Thiago Monteiro vs Stefano Travaglia
Head-to-head: First meeting
Usually not recognized for his hard court abilities, this is by far Thiago Monteiro’s best run on this surface. The lefty Brazilian made just one Tour-level semifinal before (Quito 2018). While his path started with two Australian alternates, he was particularly impressive on Friday, taking out Carlos Alcaraz and Jordan Thompson in one day.
For Stefano Travaglia, this is actually a maiden semifinal at this level. The Italian’s complete game always made it seem like he should be making better results than he is. It’s been an excellent start to the year from him, following a quarterfinal exit at Antalya. His excellent win over Hubert Hurkacz was also his 4th best one ranking-wise.
Travaglia’s path to the semifinals was a lot tougher, consisting of a total of four top 100 players. The Italian covers the court extremely well and should be able to find the dents in Monteiro’s hardcourt game. He’s been excellent since the beginning of 2021 and should continue that rich vein of form here.
Prediction: Travaglia in 2
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Jannik Sinner vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Khachanov 1-0
Both players seem to still have that extra gear hidden somewhere. Karen Khachanov has been quite ridiculous under pressure this week, saving 14 of 15 break points faced (only broken by Botic van de Zandschulp). Against the Dutchman, he also saved two match points on serve before going to turn the match around in his favor.
Khachanov has the head-to-head win from what was one of the weirdest matches of the 2020 US Open. Jannik Sinner led 2-0 before barely winning a game in the next two sets and having to call for a trainer. Then he somehow found enough determination to make the deciding set tight and only lost it in the tie-breaker.
However, since last year’s Roland Garros, Sinner has been on an absolute roll. The Italian has a 16-3 win/loss record in the past four months or so, only losing to top 10 players (Rublev via retirement, Nadal, Zverev). It looks like this run might not quite be over yet as Sinner seems to have developed the skill of winning when not quite playing his best. Just like Khachanov, he’s been stellar in the important moments of his matches in this event. The Italian’s incredible form as of late is hard to ignore. Khachanov would really need to be on top of his game to win here and he’s not quite shown that level in Melbourne yet.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo:
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