Expect an entertaining day of semifinal action at the ATP Adelaide International with two intriguing matches on the schedule. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for both matches, but who will secure their spot in Saturday’s final?
ATP Adelaide Semifinal Predictions
Jack Draper vs Kwon Soonwoo
Head-to-head: Draper 1-0 Kwon
Their one previous meeting came at this very venue last week, with the pair meeting in the first round. Jack Draper won very easily 6-2 6-1 and he’s been in even better form this week. But Kwon Soonwoo is also playing much better and will come into this match highly motivated after following up his upset win over Pablo Carreno Busta in the last 16 with a resounding win over Miakel Ymer in the quarterfinals. So whilst Draper remains the favourite here, but the match will almost certainly be much closer this time around.
Draper was particularly unlucky with his Australian Open draw, which pitted him against top seed and defending champion Rafael Nadal in the first round. That’s all the more reason to give it his all this week to try and win his first career title, even if the Spaniard’s form and fitness are uncertain. Draper is the only player left in the draw here who’s yet to win a tour-level title, but expect him to keep his chances of changing that in Adelaide alive for at least one more day.
Prediction: Draper in 3
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Thanasi Kokkinakis vs Roberto Bautista Agut
Head-to-head: first meeting
Thanasi Kokkinakis is having a great week, with back to back wins over higher ranked opponents (world #7 Andrey Rublev and world #28 Miomir Kecmanovic), and the Australian will be aiming for a second title at this venue in the coming days after winning his first tour-level title at the ATP Adelaide International last year by beating Arthur Rinderknech of France. But he will have his work cut out for him against Roberto Bautista Agut who will be another tough opponent.
The Spaniard is not the force he once was and has perhaps lost half-a-step over the last year or so, but he has looked sharp so far in Adelaide in wins over Robin Haase (6-3 3-6 6-3) and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (6-2 6-3). Still, though Bautista Agut should not be underestimated, this is a winnable match for Kokkinakis. With the backing of the home crowd in Adelaide, Kokkinakis might well have enough to reach another final, particularly if he has another good day on serve.
Prediction: Kokkinakis in 3
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