We are down the final four at the ATP 250 in Hong Kong. A new champion will be crowned this weekend following Andrey Rublev’s shock exit. Kei Nishikori will play rising Chinese star Shang Juncheng in the most anticipated match of the day. It will be rematch of their meeting in Chengdu just three months ago. Who do you think will reach the final?
ATP Hong Kong Semifinal Predictions
Alexandre Muller vs Jaume Munar
Head-to-head: Munar 3-1 Muller
A massive opportunity to reach a maiden ATP final on hard courts is in the offing for one of Alexandre Muller and Jaume Munar. And to imagine that neither of them were considered favorites to win their respective quarterfinal matches is enough indication that this is a finely poised semifinal.
Munar’s win over Lorenzo Musetti is probably the second-biggest shock of the week, improving the head-to-head to 4-1. Muller, for his part, upset countryman Arthur Fils in their second career meeting (also holds a winning record). The Frenchman’s serve has been under the microscope all week, facing a total of 32 break points which is twice that of Munar. If it is under pressure again, the tireless Munar should exploit it.
Prediction: Munar in 3
Kei Nishikori vs Shang Juncheng
Head-to-head: Nishikori 1-1 Shang
For many years, Nishikori was the face of Asian tennis until injury setbacks began to do major damage on his ranking. Now Shang is looking to become the heir apparent to that throne. But the deeply concerning thing is that the 19-year-old’s career has been blighted by minor injuries so far. He hasn’t quite blossomed as rapidly as many people thought.
Still, Shang’s introduction to life on the ATP Tour has gone very well. He won an ATP title in Chengdu last season, beating Nishikori en route. But the Japanese star is enjoying a potential late-career renaissance this week thanks to a trio of high-quality match wins. Maybe this could prove to be a turning point in Nishikori’s year.
Prediction: Nishikori in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
