Four players remain at the ATP Brisbane International after a hectic day of quarterfinal matches. A mouth-watering Holger Rune vs Grigor Dimitrov is looking increasingly likely, but they’ll both have to get through tricky semifinal opponents to make it happen. LWOS predicts the upcoming matches below.
ATP Brisbane Semifinal Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: 1-1
This event marks the first ATP tour-level semifinal for Thompson in Australia, and the home favorite conquered quite the challenge in order to make it here. The 29-year-old took out Rafael Nadal 5-7 7-6 (6) 6-3 in over three hours while saving two match points along the way. Meanwhile, Dimitrov has an illustrious history at this event, reaching the final in 2013 and winning the title in 2017. This week, the Bulgarian’s results broke tournament records, as Dimitrov now has the most wins of any ATP player at the Brisbane event. With 21 wins to his name, he has the edge based on his experience at this tournament.
Thompson will have the home crowd on his side, however. He’ll have to extend the rallies against Dimitrov, who arguably dictates more points between the two players. Fatigue will also be a significant factor — Dimitrov has spent far less time on the court this week, winning his quarterfinal match in less than half the time it took for Thompson to win his. Dimitrov has looked hard to beat this week, and he should be able to reach another final in Brisbane. I’m predicting a close two-setter in this one, with Dimitrov to take care of the big points when it matters.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 2
Holger Rune vs Roman Safiullin
Head-to-head: First meeting
Rune’s first two matches came down to intense three-setters, but his quarterfinal win against James Duckworth was more of a sigh of relief. Winning 6-2 7-6 (6), he should be refreshed and ready to go for this semifinal. He’s been able to manage this tournament with his B-game but will have to improve if he wants to claim his fifth career title this week.
Additionally, Safiullin won his quarterfinal match straightforwardly, taking out Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets. The Russian had to fight through qualifying tournaments at the beginning of last season but now sits comfortably inside the Top 50. Known for his offensive game and powerful forehand, he’ll look to push Rune deep into the court and force errors. He’s been able to put pressure on higher-ranked opponents because of these weapons, notably stunning World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Masters last October.
Rune must deal with the pressure of living up to his Top 10 ranking during this match. The Dane must serve well and stay confident to control the match, as Safiullin’s weapons can easily overpower shaky opponents. Overall, this should be a close match, but look for Rune to prevail.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
