It’s a historic moment for Chinese tennis at the ATP Hangzhou Open as not only will they soon have three men’s players in the ATP Top 100, but they’re also guaranteed a second ATP Tour finalist (after Yibing Wu won the Dallas title in 2023). But that’s not the only great match coming up as 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic also takes on Brandon Nakashima. Who do you think will make the final of the inaugural Hangzhou Open?
ATP Hangzhou Semifinal Predictions
Zhizhen Zhang vs Buyunchaokete
Head-to-head: First meeting
Buyunchaokete has secured his Top 100 debut with this run, making some truly incredible progress this year. His serve and forehand have turned into real weapons, he’s steady and dominating his opponents physically as well. In this historic all-Chinese semifinal, it still feels like Zhizhen Zhang will have most of the arguments though. The usual assets of Buyunchaokete’s game might not work against his compatriot who’s got thunderous power himself and is tough to overwhelm on a physical level. Zhang has the experience of having been here before too, even if it’s also an opportunity for a maiden final for him.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
Marin Cilic vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
Marin Cilic has a lot of game left and with a very aggressive playstyle, it’s feasible for him to get something going next year if he stays healthy. But how much does he still have at this event after surviving match points against Yasutaka Uchiyama? He’d need to really turn it on against Brandon Nakashima here. The American had a pretty horrible time on tour last year but is back with a vengeance now. Especially with how well he is serving at the moment, Cilic will need to be in absolute top shape to compete. At least for now, the semifinals might be where it ends for the veteran (but he should be back for more shortly).
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Main photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
