The semifinal round is here at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters! In a huge shocker, Rafael Nadal has been eliminated by Andrey Rublev to book his place in the final four. Who will win and who will fall short of the title match? I give my best guesses below!
ATP Monte Carlo Semifinals Predictions
Dan Evans vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head to Head: 2-0 Tsitsipas
Dan Evans backed up his win over Novak Djokovic very well, taking out David Goffin from a set down to advance to the semifinals. Evans saved 15 of 17 break points in that match and held Goffin to 63% first serves won and 49% second serves won. Stefanos Tsitsipas benefitted from an Alejandro Davidovich Fokina retirement, although the Greek won the first set 7-5. Tsitsipas won 65% of his service points, compared to 54% for Davidovich Fokina.
Tsitsipas leads the head to head 2-0, having won both matches last season. However, Evans is more confident now than he has ever been and plays a tricky style where he is slicing a lot off of the backhand wing and attacking the net whenever he can.
Tsitsipas is so physical from the baseline on clay and control the court so well. He picks his times to attack very well and plays with controlled aggression at a high level. Evans will disrupt Tsitsipas’ rhythm from the baseline, but the Greek is very comfortable on the clay and will be able to turn the match into his style, as opposed to playing into Evans’ strengths. Tsitsipas’ big serve will also do him good and in their last matchup in Hamburg, he won 77% of his first serve points. Expect Tsitsipas to advance to the Monte Carlo final.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Andrey Rublev vs Casper Ruud
Head to Head: 4-0 Rublev
Andrey Rublev pulled off one of the upsets of the season, beating Rafael Nadal in three sets to reach the semifinals. Rublev recovered very well mentally from losing the second set from a break up. Rublev’s return was on fire, breaking the Nadal serve seven times in the match. Casper Ruud completed a straight sets victory over Fabio Fognini to get to the final four. Ruud held Fognini to under 60% points won on his first and second serves.
Rublev leads the head to head 4-0, including three matchups on clay. Ruud has a massive, heavy forehand and a powerful serve, but can be exposed a bit on his backhand side. Rublev is absolutely blasting the ball on both wings and playing dominating baseline tennis. His second serve leaves a little bit to be desired, but he is able to hide that well. Rublev should dominate the backhand-to-backhand rallies and pin Ruud in the backhand corner often. For that reason, I like him to win this match.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
