The first clay court Masters 1000 event of the year has hit the final weekend in Monte Carlo, Monaco. One of the most prestigious events on the calendar is down to four competitors, all looking to raise this trophy for the first time. No. 8 seed Taylor Fritz takes on No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev, and No. 6 seed Holger Rune takes on No. 7 seed Jannik Sinner. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both semifinal matches in what should be a terrific day of tennis. But who will advance?
ATP Monte Carlo Semifinal Predictions
Taylor Fritz vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-Head: Fritz 4-2 Rublev
25-year-old Taylor Fritz has never been known as a strong clay court player, but he is into his first career Masters 1000 clay court semifinal after taking down two-time defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. Fritz dominated the Greek 6-2 6-4 in just over an hour, powering 21 winners and just four errors. On the precipice of his second career Masters 1000 final appearance, the American takes on Andrey Rublev in the Monte Carlo semis. Rublev came back from a set deficit to take down Jaume Munar in the second round but has since reeled off six consecutive set victories. Rublev is a more distinguished player on the clay than Fritz, but this will be their first meeting on the surface. I expect a very back-and-forth battle between two players with some of the most potent forehands on tour. Ultimately, this match will come down to who serves better. I give a slight edge to the American.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
Holger Rune vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-Head: Rune 1-0 Sinner
The second Monte Carlo semifinal matchup is a next-gen battle between Holger Rune and Jannik Sinner. Both men are into their first career clay-court Masters 1000 semifinal. Sinner is playing phenomenal tennis of late and is the youngest player in the Open Era to reach the semifinals in Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo in the same year. He is incredibly consistent from both wings and has developed a serve that has become a weapon. On the other side of the net, 19-year-old Holger Rune does not give anything up easily. The Dane is the ultimate competitor and is not afraid to spend all match digging balls from corner to corner. He dispatched Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-4 in the quarterfinals and has the confidence to raise a second career Masters 1000 trophy. This match will be a battle with many entertaining rallies, but ultimately I trust the ability of the Italian to move Rune around the court and capitalize when he is in advantageous spots.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
