It’s semifinal day at the Miami Open on Friday, with a rematch of the Australian Open final on the cards. After Grigor Dimitrov stunned World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinals on Thursday night, he’ll have the opportunity against Alexander Zverev to reach his third ATP Masters 1000 final. As for the other semifinal, Daniil Medvedev will look to claim revenge over Jannik Sinner after letting a two-set lead slip heartbreakingly in Melbourne. Who will reach the finals?
ATP Miami Open Semifinal Predictions
Grigor Dimitrov vs Alexander Zverev
Head-to-head: Zverev 7-1
Grigor Dimitrov will come into this match with loads of confidence after taking out Carlos Alcaraz 6-2 6-4 on Thursday. It was the second consecutive time he beat the Spaniard, after winning their previous match last October. However, Zverev will bring a drastically different style of tennis to the court on Friday. The German will look to use his powerful serve and backhand to pressure Dimitrov’s groundstrokes. The pair played on four occasions in 2023, with Zverev winning all four matches and three of the four coming in straight sets. Even worse for Dimitrov, he’s yet to win against Zverev since 2014, when Zverev was just 17.
Dimitrov will have to serve well and fire on all cylinders with his dangerous one-handed backhand. Yet, Zverev has arguably a more consistent backhand and serve even if Dimitrov brings more firepower to the court when at his peak.
I just feel that Dimitrov won’t be able to replicate the top level of tennis he displayed on Thursday. Look for Zverev to reach the final here in two very close sets.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Daniil Medvedev vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-head: Medvedev 6-4
This semifinal was touted by fans as a potentially exciting clash when the draw came out, and now they’ll see their wish fulfilled when these two play. There’s a lot at stake with this high-profile match as a rematch from last year’s final. Medvedev is the defending champion looking to defend a title for the first time ever in his career and hasn’t dropped a set yet. Meanwhile, Sinner, who’s only dropped one set, is looking to improve on his flawless 20-1 record in 2024. Sinner would also reclaim the World No. 2 spot in the rankings with a title in Miami.
Medvedev has worn out opponents in high-pressure moments, such as Nicolas Jarry in the second set tiebreak of the pair’s quarterfinal. He’s also lost his serve only three times in this event and has done well to lower unforced errors in big moments.
Sinner has also continued to show off his powerful and consistent groundstrokes, most recently wearing down Jiri Lehecka in the quarterfinals after a tight opening to the match. He’s averaged winning 84 percent of first-serve points throughout his four matches in Miami. It’s proof that his serve will be crucial to breaking down Medvedev.
Sinner will have to go into the match knowing Medvedev’s deep return position will try and force uncomfortable angles. The Italian will have to serve big and pressure Medvedev’s backhand, arguably the shot that lands shorter in the court. For Medvedev, he’ll have to keep the ball deep and force Sinner to miss shots he’d usually capitalize on. This match could go either way, but it’s hard to go against Sinner’s momentum and high-quality start to the season. In the end, look for Sinner to win a thrilling match on Friday afternoon.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
