We are down to the semifinalists at the ATP European Open in Antwerp after a great week of tennis so far. Jiri Lehecka will play Marcos Giron, and Roberto Bautista Agut will face Hugo Gaston. As always, we at LWOT predict both semifinals in this article, but which player do you expect to progress to the final?
ATP Antwerp Semifinal Predictions
Roberto Bautista Agut vs Hugo Gaston
Head-to-head: first meeting
After defeating Luca Van Assche in the opening round, Bautista Agut managed two upsets against Tomas Martin Etcheverry and Felix Auger-Aliassime. The result against Auger-Aliassime was particularly surprising since the Canadian is an excellent indoor hardcourt player. Gaston also managed a significant upset against Alex de Minaur in the previous round. He beat Mariano Navone and Alexey Vatutin in the opening two rounds in Antwerp.
Expect plenty of long rallies between these two. Gaston possesses the greater variety on the court, but Bautista Agut is more reliably solid. Although Gaston has played great tennis throughout the tournament so far, the Spaniard can be trusted slightly more to refocus for the semifinal after both men had long quarterfinal matches.
Prediction: Bautista Agut in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Jiri Lehecka vs Marcos Giron
Head-to-head: Lehecka 1-1 Giron
After returning from a few months out with an injury, Lehecka had performed well in North America and Asia. However, his level rose further during a superb performance to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarterfinal. The Czech overcame Jaume Munar and Daniel Altmaier in the previous two rounds. Giron triumphed against Botic van de Zandschulp, Arthur Rinderknech, and Zizou Bergs to reach the semifinal.
Neither man has dropped a set during the event so far, meaning this will likely be a high-quality match. Lehecka is the more powerful player, but Giron enjoys redirecting pace and will present a stiff challenge to his younger opponent. The Czech’s excellent display against Tsitsipas and his peak level being superior to Giron’s make him the favorite, but the gritty and determined Giron is capable of taking advantage if Lehecka is slightly below his best.
Prediction: Lehecka in 3
Main photo credit: Albert Cesare-USA TODAY Sports
