It’s safe to say quarterfinal day at the ATP Croatia Open in Umag was disappointing with no match going the distance, but with a blockbuster final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner still on the cards, the ATP 250 event could well deliver come the weekend.
ATP Umag Semifinal Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Franco Agamenone
Head-to-head: 0-0
Much like the other semifinal, this one also features an unexpected Italian who has also gone through qualifying. The 29-year-old’s run has been impressive too beating the likes of top 80 player Laslo Djere and top 35 player Sebastian Baez en route to the semis. Shockingly, this is Sinner’s first semifinal all year which is absurd to think given he was a set away from making the last four at Wimbledon just earlier this month too. But the younger Italian finally seems fully fit which is great to see. On a clay court, the 20 year old is simply too solid for a lot of players to beat, this won’t be much different. It’s hard to not see the top two seeds meeting in the final.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Carlos Alcaraz vs Giulio Zeppieri
Head-to-head: 0-0
Truth be told, I don’t think anyone expected Zeppieri in the quarterfinals let alone semifinals here. Going into the qualifying event the Italian ranked outside the world’s top 150 had lost three matches in a row but miraculously won four matches in a row all in a final set before a stunning win against Zapata Miralles in straight sets in the quarters. This though isn’t just one step above anyone he has faced thus far, but more like a skyscraper. Alcaraz, after a disappointing performance in the Hamburg final last weekend, has looked sharp barely dropping games in his two matches thus far. It’s hard to see how the 20 year old can keep this competitive unless the Spaniard puts in a shocker.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo from Getty.