Even without Rafael Nadal, Spain managed to top Group A and qualify for the semifinal round of the 2022 ATP Cup. Facing them will be a surprise package in Poland, who went undefeated in Group D, helped by Stefanos Tsitsipas and Nikoloz Basilashvili opting to skip singles matches against Hubert Hurkacz. Both teams lost just one doubles rubber on the way to the final four. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Cup Semifinal Predictions
Kamil Majchrzak vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-head: Majchrzak 1-0
Kamil Majchrzak gave Pablo Carreno Busta just two games at a Challenger in Mohammedia six years ago. The two have come a long way since then with the Spaniard enjoying a much more highlight-filled career, including making the top 10 and a couple of US Open semifinals. Majchrzak scored his first win against a top 50 opponent against Federico Delbonis on Wednesday. If he was to triumph again here, it would be his best-ever scalp by a country mile.
The challenge seems practically impossible though. Majchrzak defended very well against Delbonis’s lefty forehand in their match, but the Argentinian’s dominant shot loses a lot of its effectiveness off-clay. Carreno Busta will have a much easier time being the one who dictates in the rallies. The Pole needs to step into second serve returns as he did against Delbonis, but winning points from a neutral position is going to be much tougher. The Spaniard is just a much more dangerous baseliner.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: Bautista Agut 2-0
Roberto Bautista Agut won their previous two meetings but everything is pointing to a much closer tie this time around. Hubert Hurkacz wasn’t properly tested in Poland’s matches against Greece and Georgia, but upped his game to fend off Diego Schwartzman very comfortably. The Spaniard also hasn’t lost a match yet, playing his best tennis for the first time in months.
The 33-year-old seemed to be entering a post-prime period of his career, but the group stage sort of put that in a new light. Bautista Agut’s forehand was just as deadly as two years ago and his all-round solidity frustrating as ever (for the opponents, that is). Hurkacz should have a better shot at cracking the Spaniard two years ago though. He’s got a more complete skillset now and can use his improved net game to cut the points shorter. The Pole should also be able to find a couple more openings on return.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
