The quarterfinals of the ATP event in Bastad produced high quality tennis, and the great news is all four players left in the semifinal round are near the top of men’s tennis. It promises to be one of the best semifinal days we have seen at ATP 250 level this season so far. We at LWOT are predicting the matches as always. But who do you think will advance?
ATP Bastad Semifinals Predictions
Francisco Cerundolo vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Cerundolo 1-0 Rublev
It was slightly surprising how easily Rublev defeated Alexander Zverev in the last round, but the eight-time Grand Slam quarterfinalist deserves credit for a strong performance against his childhood friend. Cerundolo was a similarly comfortable winner against Federico Coria despite starting very poorly, hitting four double faults in his first two service games. The Argentine cannot afford to start like that against a better quality opponent in the form of Rublev.
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Cerundolo won their only previous meeting last year in the post-Wimbledon clay court swing in Hamburg, although Rublev’s Monte-Carlo title this season shows his progress on the dirt. This could be close but I feel the conditions in Bastad are so suitable to Cerundolo’s heavy topspin forehand compared to Rublev’s flatter forehand weapon that he may just edge this battle.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Casper Ruud vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head-to-head: Musetti 1-0 Ruud
This should be a fun match. Ruud played very well in the last round against Sebastian Ofner in a quality match, while Musetti found some of his best shotmaking against Filip Misolic after dropping the first set. Musetti winning their only previous meeting last season on the indoor courts of Paris will have no bearing on this one. Whether Musetti can protect his backhand against the heavy topspin of Ruud on clay may decide this matchup. If the Norwegian can utilise his inside-out forehand into that wing of Musetti enough times he will get much joy. I think Ruud will use that tactic enough to win, in addition to how much more confident he is looking since leaving the grass courts of Wimbledon.
Prediction: Ruud in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
