Just like ATP Monte Carlo itself, the semifinal lineup of the first clay Masters of the year oozes prestige and class. With Novak Djokovic looking to become the first player ever to win three titles of each and every Masters 1000 event, he’s joined by former two-time champion Stefanos Tsitsipas and the hottest player in the world so far in 2024, Jannik Sinner. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for the two semifinal matches. But who do you think will advance to the final?
ATP Monte Carlo Semifinal Predictions
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Jannik Sinner
Head-to-Head: Tsitsipas 5-3
The Italian has only lost one match this year. However, that was severely under threat in the quarterfinals against Holger Rune, the man who beat him here last year. Despite being pushed to the brink, the Australian Open champion just further proved how far mentally he’s come this year. Next, he plays 2021 and 2022 champion Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite the Greek leading the rivalry, the Italian is no doubt the favourite in the encounter.
Not only is Sinner in the form of his life, but his serve has improved massively over the last six months. Unfortunately for Tsitsipas, who’s now dropped outside of the world’s top 10, his return has always been arguably his biggest weakness. Put the two together, and it’s hard to see the World No. 2 not getting his fourth win. His power, serve, and consistency are simply unmatched right now.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Novak Djokovic vs Casper Ruud
Head-to-Head: Djokovic 5-0
Believe it or not, this is Djokovic’s first semifinal at this event since lifting the title back in 2015. That doesn’t paint the whole picture, however, as despite not dropping a set en route, he’s been far from his best. From suffering early on against Lorenzo Musetti, the struggles somewhat continued being broken three times in the second set against Alex De Minaur. Whilst this level isn’t likely to get it done in a possible final against red-hot Jannik Sinner, there’s a reason the Serb’s head-to-head against Ruud is 5-0 without a single set lost.
Simply put, Djokovic does everything better. When Ruud is on, he might have a chance, but the Norwegian shockingly struggled against Ugo Humbert in the last round and was horrible last week in his loss to Pedro Martinez in Portugal. Ruud will have to come out firing and throw everything he can at the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Even then, he’ll need to hope Djokovic is below par to even take a set off of him.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
