A star-studded week at the ATP Vienna Open has wound down to the last four men after some some excellent tennis and surprise results. With the top seed in Alexander Zverev already eliminated, everyone left in the draw will realistically believe in their chances of claiming the title on Sunday. Who do you think will win through to the final?
ATP Vienna Semifinal Prediction
Karen Khachanov vs Alex de Minaur
Head-to-head: Khachanov 1-1 de Minaur
Karen Khachanov has the chance to make it back to back finals and possibly back to back titles in these two weeks. The Russian had too much for Matteo Berrettini whom he hadn’t had much joy against in the past, going 0-4 in the head to head. Khachanov did not face a single top 50 player in his title run in Almaty but has eliminated two such players in back to back matches.
Alex de Minaur has been far from his best since returning from injury but he has found a way to win this week. Needing a deciding set in all but one of his matches. The extra motivation to gain points and qualify for the tour finals seem to have done him a world of good. Khachanov has been in superb form but he hasn’t faced a player of de Minaur’s caliber so far. The Russian’s first genuine test should be too much of a hurdle for him to pass.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
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Lorenzo Musetti vs Jack Draper
Head-to-head: Draper 2-0 Musetti
Jack Draper has got a solid 2-0 head start in their rivalry so far which extends to three if you count their match back at Wimbledon during their junior days. They haven’t met so far this year but the conditions are perfectly suited to Draper’s game. Both his prior wins against Musetti have come on indoor hard courts. He stumbled slightly in the second set in his quarterfinal match against Tomas Machac and would be desperate to avoid yet another lengthy match against a confident Lorenzo Musetti.
The Italian was the gaint killer on Thursday after closing out a three sets victory against top seed Alexander Zverev. Musetti has all the weapons to trouble even the best players in these conditions but the odds slightly favor Draper who is a natural fit. It will be a close affair but I back Draper to extend his lead for the time being.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Main photo credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
