Semifinal action takes center stage at the ATP Estoril Open on Saturday. The top two seeds at the tournament remain in the hunt for the title, but two underdogs have found their old form to reach within touching distance of the trophy. So, who will reach the championship match?
ATP Estoril Semifinal Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: Garin 1-0 Hurkacz
Garin surprisingly leads the had-to-head here, having beaten Hurkacz on the grass courts at Wimbledon. But that was way back in 2018 in qualifying, just before the Pole rose to prominence. Hurkacz is now a world beater with one of, if not the best, serve in men’s tennis. Garin has enjoyed a welcome return to form. He’s up to 101st in the live rankings. He could re-enter the centurion club if he reaches his first ATP final in three years.
One thing that won’t happen here is the Chilean getting any love from the locals because of his poor sportsmanship during the quarterfinal win over Portugal’s Nuno Borges following a controversial call from the chair umpire. Hurkacz has been doing extraordinary work protecting his serve all season. This week, in particular, he’s saved 11 of 12 break points. With a near-impregnable serve, the second seed will have a clear edge.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 2
Casper Ruud vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Ruud 1-0 Martinez
It’s almost as if we’re back to the 2020-2021 pandemic period. Casper Ruud was a top 10 player and dominated ATP 250 events back then. Pedro Martinez was firmly entrenched in the top 100 and performing very well on clay. Nevertheless, both players are playing close to that level. Ruud is now back in the elite group and is looking to defend his title. He’s dropped a paltry eight games in reaching the semis. Martinez, meanwhile, extended his win streak to eight matches after winning the Girona Challenger this past week and tallying three victories in Estoril. But none of the men the Spaniard has defeated stack up to Ruud’s superior topspin, which is such a weapon on this surface. Back Ruud to end the world No. 77’s rosy run.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
