The semifinal matches are upon us at the ATp 250 in Sofia and we’re left with an exciting group of four players squaring up in two enticing semifinals.
The ever-unpredictable Marc-Andrea Huesler is looking for one of the biggest wins of his career over Lorenzo Musetti who has done well to get this far on an indoor hard-court (he saved two match points earlier in the week against Alexandar Lazarov). In the other semifinal, defending champ Jannik Sinner takes on up-and-comer Holger Rune for the first time. Plenty to look forward in two tough matches to predict.
ATP Sofia Semifinals Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Marc-Andrea Huesler
Head-to-head: First meeting.
Lorenzo Musetti has surpassed his own expectations this week in reaching the semifinals. He had previously only made one semifinal on a hard-court at ATP level which he lost easily to Stefanos Tsitsipas. The Italian is a fantastic returner when he has time on the ball however his one-hander is vulnerable to big serving on a quicker court, one of the main reasons for him possessing an overall losing record on the surface. His win over Jan Lennard Struff was particularly impressive though as he tamed the German’s huge serving to reach this stage.
Unless he’s added a consistently great chip return to his arsenal, it still feels as though Musetti is living on borrowed time on an indoor hard-court. He was incredibly close to losing his first-round in Sofia against the world #334. Marc Andrea Huesler is absolutely built for taking advantage of Musetti’s weaknesses on this surface. His swinging lefty-serve plus his ability to rush the net will constantly put Musetti on the back-foot on return on these indoor courts.
A first hard-court final for Musetti? His form might win him a set but no more, the percentages falling in favor of the Swiss.
Prediction: Huesler in 3
Jannik Sinner vs Holger Rune
Head-to-head: First meeting.
Though it’s not quite as explosive as Jannik Sinner’s, Holger Rune’s game reminds me of Sinner’s at the same age. The Dane excels at returning serves with interest and has a special backhand that makes it difficult for opponents to know where to target. Unfortunately, like Sinner a couple of years ago, Rune has a fairly inaccurate serve. Sure, it has plenty of pace but it rarely wins him the point outright against more experienced players.
It actually could be a fairly even battle from the ground given Rune’s prowess off both wings but Sinner is a different player than he used to delivering his first shot. The Italian has made it his mission to become a better spot-server over the last few years and in this match-up, that should make a vast world of difference. Sinner will keep his service games far tidier than the 19-year-old’s and will be willing to wait patiently for his chance to strike. The mentality of Sinner isn’t in question either – when he gets his opportunity, he’ll take it. One can’t confidently say the same about Rune.
The defending champ’s game is just too polished. Sinner to get through in two.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
