The 2023 edition of the ATP Barcelona Open is all set for a grand finish with top players seeking to justify their rankings while young hopefuls trying to make a mark. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict both semifinal clashes for you.
ATP Barcelona Semifinal Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head to head – Musetti 0-3 Tsitsipas
Lorenzo Musetti will be hoping for a fast start against Stefanos Tsitsipas as he did the last time they met, but not hoping for the downfall that followed after. The Italian was two sets up at least year’s French Open only to lose in five. Perhaps what’s encouraging from that is Musetti seems ready to take on the biggest players and go toe to toe with them, with his win over Novak Djokovic last week a testament to that.
Tsitsipas is chalking up good performances but he will not be satisfied with anything but the trophy here. The Greek has everything in his game to beat the very best but it’s just not happening for him at the latter stages of a major tournament. That being said, Barcelona Open shouldn’t pressurise him too much and he should be swinging freely here. Expect Musetti to make a fast start again with all his flair but to get tight as the match reaches deciding stages.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Daniel Evans
Head to head – Alcaraz 1-0 Evans
Carlos Alcaraz had to battle it out but the result was never in doubt for the 19-year-old Spaniard sensation. He now takes on Daniel Evans, a player seven years his senior but career wise the Brit would love dearly to exchange places with Alcaraz. These two have met once before with Alcaraz winning in straight sets and Evans would do well to avoid the same outcome.
Alcaraz is exceedingly tough to stop once he gets his shots going and while Evans has played beautifully this week especially the last set against Francisco Cerundolo, there’s a visible power differential between the two. Both are solid movers on the court but on any given day Evans will struggle to hit through the Spaniard.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
