The semifinals of the men’s singles in Washington produced two upsets. Although Dan Evans and Grigor Dimitrov are close in ranking, the Bulgarian had been playing the better tennis more consistently through the season. Tallon Griekspoor upsetting the #1 seed Taylor Fritz in front of his home fans was an even bigger shock. It leaves both men with a massive opportunity to win their first ever ATP 500 event. Which player do you think will achieve their biggest ever tournament win in the ATP Washington final?
ATP Washington Final Prediction
Dan Evans vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Evans 2-0 Griekspoor
Dan Evans has produced the most extraordinary turnaround in form so far this season on the ATP tour. The Briton had not won a match since April before the start of this tournament. The ninth seed in Washington’s body language on and off the court during Wimbledon was indicative of a man seriously struggling. But he has suddenly found inspiration since his win in three sets against Greogire Barrere. Evans was outstanding against Frances Tiafoe and Grigor Dimitrov, playing with a level of firepower I have never previously seen from him.
Tallon Griekspoor was a fairly recent title winner after a dream week at his home tournament in Hertogenbosch in June. But his run to his first ATP Washington final is also unexpected. Although wins against an improving Gael Monfils and Atlanta semifinalist JJ Wolf were impressive, his win against Fritz was another level. Griekspoor was technically and tactically superb as he rallied to win 3-6 6-3 6-2. The Dutchman continuously used variety to disrupt the rhythm of the Atlanta champion. This included slices, dropshots and coming to the net, and Fritz simply had no answer.
Evans is a very different matchup to Fritz. In fact both Evans and Griekspoor are not very dissimilar in style. Each man slices a lot on their backhand, both are comfortable at the net, each player has a solid but not overwhelmingly quick serve and both seek to bring their forehands into play when they can. It will be interesting to observe how Griekspoor adapts the strategy he used in the semifinal, as Evans crafty style of play is well suited to how the two-time ATP champion played against Fritz. Griekspoor using his inside-out forehand into the Evans backhand could be a crucial shot in the ATP Washington final. It is a shot the Dutchman is capable of hitting with a lot of topspin, and high balls into his one-handed backhand can be a struggle at times for Evans.
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This could be a tight match. Evans did beat Griekspoor twice last year on indoor hard courts in straight sets. But the Dutchman has won both his titles this season, and has been a different player. Griekspoor gets a very small edge for the ATP Washngton final. He was so impressive in the final two sets against Fritz it is hard not to back him. If Griekspoor can get his forehand into play and is brave enough to hit through his backhand, and not get drawn into a battle of slices with Evans, he can win. But that is not predicted with much certainty. This one could go either way.
Prediction: Griekspoor in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
