Two mouthwatering matches make up the semifinals at the ATP 250 in Adelaide with four youngsters vying for a place in the final of the four-year-old event. Only Sebastian Korda has had the experience of gracing a final here. Who will seize the opportunity this time?
ATP Adelaide Semifinal Predictions
Sebastian Korda vs Jiri Lehecka
Head–to–Head: Korda 0-1 Lehecka
Sebastian Korda has not yet arrived at optimum level but he’s managed to grind out results this year. Despite suffering a loss in a winnable match against Yannick Hanfman at the beginning of the year, he was able to gather himself at the crucial times to edge out straight-set victories against Lorenzo Sonego and Christopher O’Connell. It is noteworthy to mention that the American has reached at least the semi-finals of 5 of the last 8 events he’s participated.
Jiri Lehecka navigated a tricky match in the quarterfinals by easily rebuffing Nicolas Jarry’s big serve on his way to a rather comfortable win. The Czech youngster converted 3 out of 7 break points created and is on the brink of his second tour final.
Both players are confident and motivated going into this match and while Sebastian Korda is the favorite, I feel Jiri Lehecka is more motivated to break his disastrous semi-final jinx and make it to another final.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Jack Draper vs Alexander Bublik
Head–to–Head: Draper 1-1 Bublik
Jack Draper rarely wins after a lengthy match but he put paid to that by dominating Tommy Paul after this three-setter with Miomir Kecmanovic. The British youngster suffered three semifinal losses last year and he’ll be hoping to go one better this time.
Jenson Bublik has displayed tremendous resilience in Adelaide – shaking off the fightback of both Daniel Evans and Lorenzo Mussetti. The Kazakh number 1 remains unbeaten this year and is poised to better a tremendous 2023 season.
Difficult to pick a winner here. Draper has to overcome physical challenges to win this, and if Bublik stays mentally fit, he’s unbeatable. That said, I’ll back the more experienced player in a match that will go down to the wire.
Prediction: Bublik in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
