It has been all red, white, and blue at the Infosys Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island. Four Americans are into the ATP Newport semifinals for the first time since 1995 as Marcos Giron takes on Christopher Eubanks and Reilly Opelka squares off against Alex Michelsen. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both matches. But who will reach the final?
ATP Newport Semifinal Predictions
Marcos Giron vs Christopher Eubanks
Head-to-Head: Giron 0-1 Eubanks
No. 2 seed Marcos Giron squares off against No. 4 seed Christopher Eubanks with a spot in the ATP Newport final on the line. It would be Giron’s second final appearance of the season and Eubanks’ second of his career. Giron has played some solid tennis this season. He is 18-18 in tour-level matches and holds a career-high live ranking of No. 44. If he wins this event, he will likely move inside the Top 40 for the first time in his career.
On the other hand, Eubanks has struggled mightily this season. Coming into Newport, Eubanks was 2-11 in all matches since mid-March. He has won two three-setters this week, and while his serve has been a plus, I am still questioning his ability to win points off the ground. I expect Giron’s consistency to wear Eubanks out.
Prediction: Giron in 2
Reilly Opelka vs Alex Michelsen
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Reilly Opelka is back in a big way. The 26-year-old is playing in his first tour-level event in 23 months and has somehow strung together three wins to reach the semifinals at ATP Newport. All three of his matches have gone the distance this week, but when you average over 20 aces per match, the strain is easier on your legs.
Alex Michelsen is back in the ATP Newport semifinals. His runner-up finish here last year propelled him to skip out on collegiate tennis, a smart decision as he is up to a live ranking of World No. 70. Michelsen has a big serve and strong groundstrokes, a game ideally suited for grass. That said, Opelka hits even bigger than his compatriot. Does Opelka have what it takes to reach his first final in over two years? I’ll back him here.
Prediction: Opelka in 3
Main Photo Credit: Andy Abeyta – The Desert Sun – USA TODAY NETWORK
