Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the 2020 Olympics at the ATP Japan Open is off to a dream start. The 16-time Grand Slam is yet to be troubled on his way to the semifinals in Tokyo. The World #1 will take on the former World #7 and current #15, David Goffin, who has been playing well the past few months.
The other semifinal will feature two unexpected players: Reilly Opelka and John Millman. Even though they are unexpected, they have been playing extremely well to be at the stage of the tournament.
ATP Japan Open Semifinal Predictions
John Millman vs Reilly Opelka
Head-to-head: First meeting
Both Millman and Opelka have enjoyed a good week here at the Japan Open. For Millman, being a qualifier, he has already won five consecutive matches here in Tokyo and has only lost one set in the main draw. His opponent, Opelka, is riding on a similar form. The 22-year-old American has yet to lose a set and his serve has only been broken once all week.
Expect a good match as both players are showing no signs of slowing down. There is, for sure, a lot on the line in his match, as both players are looking to reach their maiden ATP 500 final. But with the way Opelka has been serving all week, he will be extremely tough to beat.
Prediction: Opelka in 2
Novak Djokovic vs David Goffin
Head-to-head: Djokovic leads 6-1
Goffin had some early struggles in his opening match against Pablo Carreno Busta. The Belgian was forced to save one match point before beating the Spaniard in three sets. After that, he has not looked back and is yet to drop a set in his last two matches.
Djokovic has not been tested all week and could struggle against Goffin if he plays like how he has been all week.
The Serb has such a lop-sided head-to-head advantage over the Belgian and is on paper the heavy favourite to get through. But the 28-year-old could push Djokovic based on form and could cause an upset here in Tokyo.
Prediction: Goffin in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
