Just four men remain in contention to win the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics after what has been a thrilling week of tennis in the Japanese capital. One is the undisputed favorite, the other three will have high hopes of springing a shock. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for both semifinals. Who will reach the Gold Medal match?
Tokyo Olympics Semifinal Predictions
Karen Khachanov vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Jim: This has the makings of an entertaining match. Karen Khachanov will want to play the majority of his tennis on the front foot, whilst Pablo Carreno Busta will be looking to frustrate him. The Spaniard has gone rather under the radar so far, but these appear to be the perfect conditions for him and there are few players who can hit through him on a slow-ish hard court. It’s also worth remembering that his record on hard courts is markedly better than the Russian’s. He may just be able to grind Khachanov down.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Anurag: The Russian has exceeded expectations in taming quality opposition through the draw. He is now the lone Russian contender for the Gold. Both him and Carreno Busta have a predominantly baseline game, but they are both very good at it. This is a matchup I find very watchable, but at the same time hard to predict. Carreno Busta was probably a bit lucky to face an admittedly exhausted Medvedev, who was quite open about his struggle with the hostile conditions in Tokyo. Nonetheless, he is still a formidable opponent and his game is clicking at just the right time. I give him the benefit of a higher ranking and experience. Khachanov should still give him a run for the medal.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Anish: Karen Khachanov outlasted Ugo Humbert in three sets in the semifinal. The serves were up to the mark as he hit ten aces and was broken once on the only break point he faced. He also did well to hang on in the first set tiebreaker and then make a brilliant comeback in the third. However, Khachanov’s also benefited from a ton of errors from his opponent. On the other hand, Pablo Carreno Busta had a comparatively easy win over the second seed Daniil Medvedev, who has faced problems due to the Tokyo heat. Carreno Busta took control of the rallies on the crunch points, which took him through. Also, he played good quality tennis in the second set tiebreak and did not let Medvedev make room for a comeback. It seems that he will come on top against Khachanov in a tough match.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 3
Yesh: This has been an incredible run by Carreno Busta. He’s so much better on clay than hard courts, but this surface is suiting him well. Khachanov has more talent, though, especially on a hard court, and the Russian is finally playing his best tennis consistently.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev
Jim: This is unquestionably the marquee match of the day. But Novak Djokovic has looked so assured in reaching this stage that it is hard to see any other winner. His victory over Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals was particularly impressive. Alexander Zverev has also played well and he has shown that he can be competitive against Djokovic. But with the Serbian in such a groove, being competitive might be the best that Zverev can do.
Prediction: Djokovic in 3
Anurag: I said in my last prediction that very few players can stop this version of Djokovic. I am not going to change my mind. Unless the semifinal is on clay and a Rafael Nadal is on the other side of the net, there is no way the Serb is giving it away.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Anish: Novak Djokovic made mincemeat of local favorite Kei Nishikori on Thursday–that’s what the scoreline says. But, we must look beyond the scores. He hit just three aces in the match and didn’t even make half of his first serves. Still, he faced just one break point, which he saved with ease. It only proves that Djokovic is playing a sublime baseline game right now. Alexander Zverev also comfortably came over Jeremy Chardy, blasting 11 aces in the match. Zverev has been serving too well in the tournament; he has faced only four break points and has been broken only once. He is also playing a sturdy baseline game and is looking pretty confident. This is a difficult call, but Djokovic isn’t using the pace of the Tokyo courts to full effect, and Zverev is. Furthermore, he has finally gained enough experience to handle the pressure well. It feels that Zverev is ready to pull off an upset and go even further to glory.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
Yesh: Djokovic was brutally efficient in dispatching Kei Nishikori in the quarterfinals. Zverev’s serve means the scoreline won’t be as lopsided, but the result will be the same.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
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