The semifinals of the ATP Estoril Open are upon us, and what a week it’s been. The top three seeds are all out of the tournament, and the title is up for grabs. Any of the final four are in with a chance of clutching the title, and we’re in for a thrilling occasion. As throughout the week, we here at Last Word On Tennis will be making our predictions on who will be reaching the final. But who will be victorious?
ATP Estoril Semifinal Predictions
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Head-to-head: First meeting
Another thrilling clash of styles and generations awaits us here. Both players backed up their great performances this week by winning their quarterfinals in straight sets, with Davidovich Fokina taking out third seed Humbert. While he was predicted to win this, to do it in straight sets was very impressive. He’s in with a real chance of winning this title with his stunning power of both wings and his electric speed around the court. However, he faces a very tricky opponent in Ramos-Vinolas, who has been in immense form this week.
Ramos-Vinolas rarely grabs headlines and often goes about his work fairly unnoticed. People often underestimate him, but he is exceptional at consistently getting results under his belt. The seventh seed is also yet to drop a set so far this week. This match will see his grinding, solid tennis come up against Davidovich Fokina’s aggressive and fast game, and it will be a sight to see. If Ramos-Vinolas can keep getting the ball back in play and frustrate his opponent, then things will be difficult for the young Spaniard. However, Davidovich Fokina is getting more mature and consistent in his tennis, and is becoming a real force.
A very close match should unfold here, and realistically it could go either way. We’ll go with Davidovich Fokina on this occasion, but expect a very topsy-turvy affair.
Prediction: Davidovich Fokina in 3
Marin Cilic vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: First meeting
Cameron Norrie pulled off a stunning upset to take out second seed Garin in the quarterfinals. The Brit continues to impress this season, and his form on clay is outstanding right now. This bodes well for his hopes of impressing at the French Open, and he’s not far from winning this title. Norrie has now battled through two consecutive three-setters, so he may be slightly fatigued. However, he clearly wasn’t affected by this against Cristian Garin, so it’s possible there’s plenty of gas left in the tank. He now faces a tough task against an in-form Marin Cilic.
Cilic was looking at an intense battle with Kevin Anderson. Although he managed to win the first set tiebreak, the South African had to retire afterwards. While it’s a huge shame to see Anderson retire, Cilic will be relieved with the win and to enter this match with less fatigue than his opponent. This will be a highly interesting affair. Norrie is in red-hot form and can make things very difficult for the Croat with his all-round game and counter-punching. Cilic has played some lovely tennis this week, but Norrie’s form and the way his game is translating to clay suggests he’s in with a real chance of advancing to the finals.
Expect a close battle that is highly likely to go the distance, but Norrie should be the one to snatch victory.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
