Stefanos Tsitsipas is two victories away from a morale-boosting title success at the ATP Gstaad Open. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up will face Alexander Shevchenko for a place in the final. Juan Manuel Cerundolo’s match with Raphael Collignon also promises to be entertaining. We here at LWOT predict the outcome of both contests in this article.
ATP Gstaad Semifinal Predictions
Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs Raphael Collignon
Head-to-head: Cerundolo 1-0 Collignon
Cerundolo has shown outstanding resilience in Gstaad. The Argentine recovered from losing the first set against Zdenk Kolar, Miomir Kecmanovic, and Casper Ruud. Collignon also deserves credit for his fighting qualities, defeating Timofey Skatov and Valentin Vacherot in three-set battles, as well as overcoming Lorenzo Sonego in two tiebreaks.
The way both men dug in during those matches suggests this will be a tight match. Cerundolo possesses a slightly higher ceiling on clay when he performs well because of his forehand’s ability to dominate rallies. Collignon usually has to work harder to consistently win points. This could go either way, but Cerundolo’s greater firepower might prove decisive in an important match for both players like this.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Alexander Shevchenko
Head-to-head: Shevchenko 1-0 Tsitsipas
Tsitsipas has been nowhere near his prime level at the tournament. However, the Greek deserves credit for showing a fighting spirit not always present during the past 12 months. He beat Ignacio Buse in straight sets before grinding through close three-set matches against Jerome Kym and Arthur Rinderknech. Shevchenko started with a comeback victory against Quentin Halys, but triumphed more comfortably against Dominic Stricker and Quentin Halys.
Although Shevchenko is undoubtedly talented, the Kazakhstani’s clay-court game is nowhere near the 2021 French Open runner-up’s when he finds form. Tsitsipas’s confidence has been on the floor in recent times, but he must have gained some confidence from the previous rounds. While I do not expect him to produce a vintage performance, I feel he will play better than those last matches. If that happens, Shevchenko will find it difficult.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
