The final four is set at the ATP Washington Open and it promises to be an entertaining day of semifinal action. Just one American is still standing, but will no doubt have the fulsome backing of the crowd in D.C. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions for both matches but who will reach Sunday’s final?
ATP Washington Semifinal Predictions
Alex de Minaur vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head: first meeting
Alex de Minaur played a brilliant match to overcome Brandon Nakashima in straight sets in the quarterfinals. The Australian’s consistency and counter-punching proved to be too much for the American player, who only won 32% of points behind his second serve. De Minaur will be the favourite in the semifinals against Corentin Moutet but the Frenchman, upset Daniil Medvedev in the quarterfinals, should not be underestimated.
The lucky loser has been playing with fluency and freedom all week, and is now into the biggest semifinal of his career. He displayed all his court craft in the last eight, disrupting Medvedev’s rhythm and will need to do the same against de Minaur. But unless he executes flawlessly, it is hard to see Moutet making the ATP Washington final.
Prediction: de Minaur in 3
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Ben Shelton vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Davidovich Fokina 2-0 Shelton
Ben Shelton is into his second ATP Washington semifinal after defeating Frances Tiafoe and avenging his loss at last year’s US Open. Shelton outplayed Tiafoe in both the serve and return departments to get the win in straight sets. He took his chances and outlasted his opponent in a brilliant match.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina took out the top seed, Taylor Fritz, in an exhausting quarterfinal match. The Spaniard came back from 2-5 down in the third set to outlast Fritz and win the match. The match was played in brutal conditions, with both players struggling towards the end. Playing three hours and finishing up that late in the night hinders Davidovich Fokina’s chances against Shelton. The #4 seed will be much fresher and should win this.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
