It’s still four days until Wimbledon‘s main draw gets underway so thank goodness the ATP have a few semifinal matches to tide us by at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne. Mackenzie McDonald will be trying to put together his best tennis against a ferocious hitter in Francisco Cerundolo whilst Tommy Paul will be hoping to contest for a second career title if he can get through Gregoire Barrere. We’ve predicted the outcomes of both of these matches at LWOT.
ATP Eastbourne Semifinal Predictions
Tommy Paul vs Gregoire Barrere
Head-to-head: Barrere 2-1 Paul (all levels)
It’s been a fairly short career on grass for Tommy Paul having played only 17 matches on the surface. His lack of experience hasn’t mattered too much, however. With his great transition game, early returns, flat backhand and crafty transition game, it’s clear his game suits the surface.
Let’s not underrate Gregoire Barrere, though. The Frenchman is turning heads having defeated Jarry, Ruusuvuori and Kecmanovic on the bounce here in Eastbourne.
Barrere’s certainly been on the up lately but will his form be enough to defeat the American? Paul seems to have settled into the grass season and should bring too many weapons to this match for the upset to take place.
Prediction: Paul in 2
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Mackenzie McDonald vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s no fluke Francisco Cerundolo is into the semifinals of a grass-court tournament. His forehand is universally potent, able to blow holes in the opposition’s game regardless of the surface underfoot. His first-strike tennis can just be too much to handle sometimes.
Taking a look at Mackenzie McDonald on paper, he should be able to live with Cerundolo’s tennis. His backhand is flat and resilient, great for finding a way around the Cerundolo forehand, and his pretty decent first-serve is given a boost by the slick surface.
At his best, we’d back McDonald for the win but his season has been littered with tough losses, even on grass. Cerundolo’s season suggests he’ll have no problems playing offensively from the very first ball so he feels like the safer bet.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
