Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the French Open continue on semifinal day at the ATP Geneva Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will seek to win a third consecutive match in Switzerland against Tomas Machac. Two-time runner-up at Roland Garros Casper Ruud’s contest against Flavio Cobolli is the other semifinal to be played. As always, we at LWOT give our predictions and analysis for both matches. But which two players do you think will progress to the final?
ATP Geneva Semifinal Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Despite reaching this stage, Ruud has not been at his best in Geneva. He needed three sets to overcome Sebastian Ofner, before fighting through a very tough encounter with Sebastian Baez. Cobolli’s toughest match so far was a very impressive victory against Ben Shelton. Although he is in good form, this may be a tough matchup for the Italian. A large part of Cobolli’s success is based around dictating points with his imposing forehand. That is difficult to do against Ruud, who possesses one of the best forehands in the men’s game, especially on clay.
Cobolli does have a chance if Ruud has some of the lapses that were seen in his previous matches. Overall though, Ruud’s clay-court pedigree and playing style should be enough to make the final.
Prediction: Ruud in 2
Novak Djokovic vs Tomas Machac
Head-to-head: Djokovic 1-0 Machac
The world No. 1 has brushed off the shock surrounding his appearance in Geneva to produce two solid performances to reach the semifinal. He did have to save set points against Tallon Griekspoor, before going through the gears to prevail 7-5 6-1. Djokovic is unlikely to get an easy match against Machac. The Czech’s progress in the last 12 months has been phenomenal and he has nothing to lose in this match. That gives him license to swing freely and be aggressive, especially with his excellent backhand.
However, an upset is very unlikely. Despite Machac’s considerable improvements, he is still more comfortable on hard courts than on the dirt. Defeating Djokovic on clay seems like a step too far at this stage of the 23-year-old’s development.
Prediction: Djokovic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
