If I were a paying customer at ATP Bastad for semifinal day I would be feeling somewhat short-changed. Both of the matches were really one-sided with both finalists looking to be in firm control at all times. This does, however, show that the two players are in good form so perhaps the final will be a tighter contest. But who will win the ATP Bastad title?
ATP Bastad Final Prediction
Casper Ruud vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: Coria 2-0 Ruud
Casper Ruud has played four sets in Bastad this week. The scores? 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-4. If he wins in straight sets in the final it could be the most straightforward title win I remember seeing. However, the hope for the Argentine lies in their head-to-head record. Both meetings came on clay and Coria has won all four sets. The last of which though was in 2019 when Ruud still lay outside the world top 100. It would be fair to say that the Norwegian has kicked on somewhat since then.
In this tournament Ruud has looked the only player capable of hitting through the court. This caused Rune and Carballes Baena problems that they couldn’t solve. Coria’s movement on the clay is exceptional and he is in arguably the best of form of his career, 4 finals in 5 tournaments, albeit the previous 3 on the Challenger circuit. His record in finals is uninspiring as well, only winning once in six attempts.
Taking everything into account Ruud is a strong favourite. His performances on this court demonstrate that. It is difficult to see Coria being able to best the top seed in short rallies and the Argentine has to drag Ruud deep as often as he can. Only then I think he can win this final. However, Ruud is backed to get on top early and stay there.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
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