The last of the semifinal matches at the Australian Open have been set. Daniil Medvedev came through an all-Russian affair with ease to reach this match. Meanwhile, Stefanos Tsitsipas pulled off an incredible comeback upset of Rafael Nadal late into the night Wednesday. Who will win this matchup? Our writers share their thoughts. Predicting this match are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Jim Smith, Harsh Bhoot, Fraser Learmonth, and Damian Kust.
We are also predicting the other semifinal matches: Novak Djokovic vs Aslan Karatsev, Serena Williams vs Naomi Osaka, and Jennifer Brady vs Karolina Muchova.
Australian Open Semifinal Predictions
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Daniil Medvedev vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Damian:
Daniil Medvedev had to be perceived as one of the top contenders for the title before the tournament and he’s, definitely been the strongest player in this year’s Australian Open so far. Barring some health issues mid-match against Filip Krajinovic, the Russian has been sublime and he keeps adding to his insane win streak, including 11 straight wins over top 10 opposition. Stefanos Tsitsipas played over four hours against Rafael Nadal on Wednesday, which could be a big factor for this semifinal. The Greek’s backhand return is a liability, and the quickness of the courts will allow Medvedev to expose it. The Russian should be able to make Tsitsipas play one ball too many in the rallies and advance to the final without that much of a struggle.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Jim:
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ victory over Rafael Nadal will live long in the memory, but it is hard to see him backing it up in the semifinals. He did beat Medvedev in their last meeting, but this is a rivalry the Russian has dominated and, unlike Tsitsipas, his quarterfinal was hardly a marathon. Tsitsipas is good enough to win a set here, maybe even two, but this is a match Medvedev should be winning. Expect him to do just that.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Harsh:
Stefanos Tsitsipas will quickly need to come down from cloud nine because his semifinal opponent may prove to be even tougher than Rafael Nadal. The Greek was super impressive in the last three sets to complete a memorable comeback, but it must have taken a lot out of him. On the other hand, in hot conditions, a straight sets victory was what Daniil Medvedev would’ve liked. The Russian is on a 19-match win streak and he’s showing no signs of stopping. He leads the head-to-head 5-1 against the Greek, and on outdoor hard courts, Medvedev is slightly ahead. The Russian counter punches as well as anyone. If the Greek wants to win, he has to be willing to come to the net and not get stuck at the baseline. Expect a fantastic clash with Tsitsipas sneaking a set, but Medvedev should tire out the Greek and close out the match.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Fraser:
Two of the men’s game’s rising stars will attempt to book a place in the final when Tsitsipas and Medvedev square off on Friday. Tsitsipas came through a marathon match against Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals to book his place in the semis. Whilst the win will surely give him a confidence boost, you have to think the energy exerted is going to count against him, particularly given how good Medvedev is at getting balls back in play. The Greek served incredibly well in his quarterfinal match and will need to do so again and win as many short points as possible against Medvedev. If this match becomes a marathon the Russian will surely be the favorite to win it.
Medvedev did well to best fellow countryman and close friend Andrey Rublev in his quarterfinal match. Strong serving and incredible consistency were more than enough to counteract Rublev’s bullying brand of tennis. Medvedev may have to be more aggressive here, though, as Tsitsipas is a brilliant mover and has more dimensions to his game than Rublev. The speed of the Melbourne courts suit Medvedev’s big serve and flat groundstrokes. If he is his immovable self in this match I think he has enough to get by the Greek comfortably.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Yesh:
Medvedev has just been in incredible form all tournament. The Russian is a brick wall on defense, and has some of the best counterpunching we’ve seen in years. Is he up to taking on Novak Djokovic? That I’m not sure about yet. But is Medvedev far better than every other man on tour right now? The answer to that, without question, is yes.
Prediction: Medvedev in 3
Main Photo:
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