There are two superb ATP Barcelona semifinal matches scheduled for Saturday. Carlos Alcaraz faces a rematch from the Monte Carlo Masters against Arthur Fils, and Holger Rune and Karen Khachanov meet in the other contest. As always, we here at LWOT predict both matches, but which players do you think will reach the final?
ATP Barcelona Semifinal Predictions
Holger Rune vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: First meeting
Rune produced his best performance of the season to defeat the defending champion Casper Ruud in the quarterfinal. Khachanov’s level was nearly as good in a straight-sets victory against the in-form Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Although Khachanov possesses a formidable all-around game, he will need to rely more on his serve than in the previous rounds if Rune hits the same heights as the last round.
Khachanov can match Rune’s firepower, but the Dane’s athleticism and defense are considerably better at their best. The victory against Ruud felt like a pivotal one for Rune after an inconsistent last 18 months, and he is the favorite to wear down Khachanov to reach the final. However, it could go the distance if Khachanov serves well and hits big from the baseline.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: Alcaraz 1-0 Fils
Fils was the closest to stopping Alcaraz at last week’s Monte Carlo Masters. The Frenchman led 6-4 5-5 40-0 before the four-time Grand Slam champion staged a dramatic comeback. Although Fils proved he can challenge Alcaraz in that match, the task is even greater in this contest. The Spaniard, despite winning the Monte Carlo Masters, was not at his best in each round, but he has been more comfortable in Barcelona than at any other clay event since the start of his career.
A good start to settle into the match feels crucial for Fils. Alex de Minaur proved for lengthy spells of the quarterfinal that Alcaraz can be troubled and pushed into bad shot selections when he loses concentration. Fils has the added advantage of possessing more firepower than de Minaur, but those factors do not change the reality that Alcaraz is the favorite to reach the final.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
