Semifinal day in Beijing promises to deliver two exciting semifinals. All four of the players left in the draw have played some excellent tennis so far at the China Open and will surely have high hopes of going all the way. But who will reach the final in the Chinese capital?
China Open Semifinal Predictions
Dominic Thiem vs Karen Khachanov
Head-to-head: Thiem 1-1 Khachanov
Dominic Thiem played an impressive match against Andy Murray, particularly when the weight of expectation on him to get the win is considered. Although the top seed was clearly affected by nerves when serving for the match up 5-4 in the second set, throwing in three double faults en route to dropping serve, he consistently had the better of proceedings from the baseline and, for the most part, served well. The Austrian is still yet to drop a set at the China Open.
Karen Khachanov also put in an impressive performance to beat Fabio Fognini, no mean feat against a player of the Italian’s quality, even if the Monte Carlo champion was not at his very best. The Russian has more power in the serve and forehand, but Thiem has a better backhand and is the better mover. It should be a close match as a result. But Khachanov, who won their only previous hard-court clash 6-4 6-1 in Paris last season, is the more comfortable on this surface. This match will likely be closer, but expect Khachanov to get the win in three tight sets.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
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Alexander Zverev vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 2-1 Zverev
The second semifinal will see an intriguing battle of the NextGen as Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas meet for a place in the final. Both men arrived at the China Open in the midst of slumps, but they have both put that poor form behind them and played some fine tennis. Tsitsipas has negotiated a tough draw adroitly, beating Dusan Lajovic, defending champion Nikoloz Basilashvili and the big-serving John Isner in his opening three matches.
Zverev, meanwhile, seems to have grown in confidence as the week has progressed and his serve, in particular, has been effective so far in Beijing. The German has not dropped a set in beating Frances Tiafoe, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Sam Querrey, although he has yet to face a player of Tsitsipas’ quality, with the Greek having beaten him twice in three meetings. But if Zverev can continue to serve as effectively as he has done so far, then he should be able to get the win, although not without going the distance.
Prediction: Zverev in 3
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