Just four men remain in contention for the trophy at the ATP Chengdu Open 2024. This week has given us very exciting tennis and luckily we have two more days of thrilling matchups. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict both semifinal clashes for you.
ATP Chengdu Semifinal Predictions
Alibek Kachmazov vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head to head – First Meeting
What a dream run Alibek Kachmazov has had this week. He is yet to drop a set en-route to the semifinals which also includes qualifying matches. The 22 year old showcased his solid game in his quarterfinal match where his opponent didn’t have a single chance to break.
He now faces the top seed and favorite for the title, Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian has won both his matches this week in three sets but he will be happy he is raking up important points to fuel his late push to the ATP Finals. Musetti might not have seen much of Kachmazov but this week should provide enough evidence for the Italian to not treat this match lightly. Having said that, expect Musetti to hit his peak this week and solidify his top seed status here this week.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
Yannick Hanfmann vs Juncheng Shang
Head to head – First Meeting
Yannick Hanfmann has made it a habit of springing up surprises at the 250 level and the German this week has played the role of a dark horse exceptionally well. Hanfmann has beaten higher ranked opponents and the faster courts at Chengdu have suited his game play.
He takes on home favorite and 19-year-old Juncheng Shang. The Chinese has captivated the crowd throughout this week and has put up one solid performance after another. The atmosphere should be electric once again and it feels like Shang is in with a real chance here. It would be a fitting finale appearance in a year where he has hardly put a foot wrong. Expect Hanfmann to start strong but once Shang starts to find his rhythm, he should be the one riding the home crowd support to reach the final.
Prediction: Shang in 3
Main Photo Credit: Taya Gray/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK
