With only days left until the Australian Open begins, four ATP players in Auckland continue to vie for a trophy right before the big tournament arrives. Thursday’s quarterfinal action ended up in disappointment, with two of the four matches ending in retirement or withdrawal. Top seed Ben Shelton cruised through his quarterfinal match, continuing to show fans why he’s a player to watch in 2024. However, the American can’t rule out his competition, with Daniel and Fils each having an ATP title and bringing some high-quality tennis to New Zealand. Who will reach the final?
ATP Auckland Semifinal Predictions
Arthur Fils vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s unlikely this record will remain for too long, but Fils’ five wins on the ATP tour this season is a tie for the highest this season, alongside Grigor Dimitrov. He’s emphasizing match-play during the first two weeks of the season, and it could pay off with a third ATP final this week in Auckland. Fils’ only loss this season came to World No. 5 Andrey Rublev, who defeated the Frenchman in a three-setter. In the quarterfinal round, Fils benefited from a retirement of Daniel Altmaier, but Tabilo has the upper hand in not having to play a match at all at the same stage. Tabilo’s last completed match came on Wednesday when he took out Botic Van De Zandschulp 7-5 6-3 — his quarterfinal opponent Norrie had to withdraw with a wrist injury.
Fils has an offensive style of tennis that seems to be a commonality among young players. His confidence will be key in this match, as pressure gradually builds up in the later rounds of a tournament. Tabilo can use his lefty forehand to outsmart opponents, and he also has the advantage of having a longer break. In the end, Fils’ firepower should allow him to reach the final, but Tabilo will make this match a battle.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Ben Shelton vs Taro Daniel
Head-to-head: First meeting
Shelton’s Achilles heel in 2023 was inconsistency in smaller tournaments, but he’s seemingly moved past that issue in 2024. He currently rides a 10-match winning streak against players outside the Top 50, and that continued on Thursday when he dominated Roberto Carballes Beana in the quarterfinals. A title in Auckland will be crucial for the American, especially as he soon has to defend significant quarterfinal points from last year’s Australian Open.
Taro Daniel shouldn’t be completely ruled out, however. Daniel has four wins against Top 20 players, including a third-set tiebreak win over World No. 4 Casper Ruud last February. During Daniel’s quarterfinal match, he nearly let a set and double-break lead slip away against Alexandre Muller but counterpunched well to win 6-3 in the third.
In a way, Shelton has a similar style of play to Muller, as neither player is afraid to play offensive tennis and approach the net. While that could perhaps benefit Daniel, Shelton is a stronger player on the court with his power and increasing mental edge. It’s hard not to acknowledge Shelton’s consistent streak against lower-ranked opponents, as he can easily overwhelm opponents. The American should win this match.
Prediction: Shelton in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
