Only one seed remains at the Cinch Championships at the Queen’s Club in London, and between the four players left is just one ATP 500 title, won by Lorenzo Musetti two years ago. Saturday’s semifinal matches mark one step closer to an ATP 500 title nearly one week before the start of Wimbledon. Who will reach the finals?
ATP Queens Semifinal Predictions
Lorenzo Musetti vs Jordan Thompson
Head-to-head: Musetti 1-0
Thompson is an experienced grass court player with zero fear of the net or volleying, while Musetti is playing some of his best career tennis this week. The Italian took out Alex de Minaur 1-6 6-4 6-2 in the first round for his seventh Top 10 win, as he’s put together a style of tennis full of aggressive one-handed backhands and solid serving. Thompson is also displaying some high-quality tennis this week, most recently taking out Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-3 in a quarterfinal upset. The Aussie also defeated Holger Rune earlier in the tournament.
The result should come down to whoever brings a solid mentality to the court. Musetti did have to go through lower-ranked players in his last two matches, while Thompson has had to play well-known ATP stars throughout the tournament. With that, it might be an adjustment for Musetti to play someone stronger on grass and higher ranked. Picking Thompson to win this in a close encounter.
Prediction: Thompson in 3
Tommy Paul vs Sebastian Korda
Head-to-head: Korda 4-1
The rivalry continues on Saturday between these top American players. They both scored three-set wins during quarterfinal action on Friday, with Paul playing arguably the more high-quality match, as he took out Jack Draper 6-3 5-7 6-4 against the partisan crowd. Korda, meanwhile, did well to defeat Rinky Hijikata 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-4 on Friday evening, as he’s now defended semifinalist points from last year’s tournament.
Korda has especially done well with his endurance throughout the event, surviving consecutive three-setters that went down to the wire. While he has the confidence leading the head-to-head, it will be interesting to see how he holds up physically, with Paul spending far less time on the court compared to Korda. Paul will have to neutralize Korda’s powerful backhand and use the net to his advantage, something he’s comfortable with.
Meanwhile, Korda will have to shorten the points and stay aggressive from the baseline. The pair also played just last week in the Netherlands, where Korda won 6-4 6-2. There very well could be some revenge on Saturday, as Paul seems to have more left in the tank. His powerful serve will help him in the big moments, and look for him to win in a three-set battle.
Prediction: Paul in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
