The grass court season is well and truly upon us with the ATP Stuttgart Open seeing big names play to get their feet set on grass. Only four men remain for contention to win the trophy with only one of the top four seeds still in the draw. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict both semifinal clashes for you.
ATP Stuttgart Open Semifinal Predictions
Matteo Berrettini vs Oscar Otte
Head to head – Berrettini 2-0 Otte
Matteo Berrettini is enjoying a great return to the tennis courts after sitting out the clay-court season. The Italian’s game is well suited for the fast grass court conditions as the 2021 Wimbledon finalist looks to put up for a good showing once again. He’s had to work hard for his victories so far but he’s got the job done. He now takes on a surprise semifinalist in the form of Oscar Otte who is enjoying some great home support.
Otte has taken out good quality opponents so far and the walkover in quarter-finals ensures that the German starts fresh for the semi-final clash. That being said, Berrettini’s firepower from the baseline especially on grass is extremely mighty and might just prove to be too much for the German. Expect Otte to put up a fight but the Italians class should shine through.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Nick Kyrgios vs Andy Murray
Head to head – Kyrgios 1-5 Murray
Nick Kyrgios loves to play on grass and it’s been showing this week in Stuttgart with the way the Australian has been timing his ball and moving around. The Australian skipped the clay court season where he’s generally underperformed and only time will tell whether he is short of match practice come Wimbledon. Kyrgios faces an opponent his faced six times before winning only one encounter so far.
Andy Murray has struggled since the hip injury and it’s been a tough road back for the Brit. However, Murray has never stopped trying in his career and he’s working as hard as ever to be back at the level he once was. As a result of that hard work, the Brit played a flawless match to knock out the top seed in the quarter-finals and he is looking increasingly dangerous as the week progresses. He takes on Kyrgios in an highly anticipated clash as it promises to be a high-quality affair. Expect Kyrgios to come out firing but Murray is consistency should see him through.
Prediction: Murray in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
