The United Cup wraps up its semifinal ties on Day 10 as four teams are still alive for the event’s inaugural title. Poland and the United States will square off, with the Poles needing a massive day to overcome a 0-2 deficit. The match of the day will take place when Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas takes on Italy’s Matteo Berrettini. Let’s dive into the preview and prediction for the Day 10 matches in Sydney.
United Cup Semifinal Predictions
Poland vs United States
Magda Linette vs Madison Keys
Head-to-Head: Linette 1-1 Keys
Magda Linette and Madison Keys are set to square off for the third time in the last three months. The two split their previous encounters, with Keys’ victory coming in straight sets and Linette’s in three. Both players are 3-0 in their United Cup singles matches and have faced little pushback as the No. 2 women’s player for their respective countries. I expect a tightly contested tie between these two. That said, it is hard to ignore the form Keys is playing with. The fast courts are playing to her advantage, as her serve and forehand have looked nearly unstoppable during moments this week. Linette will give some pushback, but I expect the American to be too tough for her in the end.
Prediction: Keys in 2
Hubert Hurkacz vs Taylor Fritz
Head-to-Head: Hurkacz 1-1 Fritz
We are in store for an absolute battle between Hubert Hurkacz and Taylor Fritz as just two spots separate them in the live ATP rankings. They have split their two previous encounters, both straight-set victories in 2019. Hurkacz and Fritz hold 2-1 singles records at the United Cup. Hurkacz’s loss came to Matteo Berrettini, Fritz’s, to Cameron Norrie. Both men have been striking the ball well this week and are using their massive serves to their advantage. Hurkacz’s ability to provide variety, such as the serve and volley, gives him a slight edge over the American. That said, expect a massive amount of combined aces.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Greece vs Italy
Despina Papamichail vs Lucia Bronzetti
Head-to-Head: Papamichail 1-0 Bronzetti
Despina Papamichail and Lucia Bronzetti will meet in what will be a crucial match for the Greece vs Italy tie. The two have met one time previously, with the Greek taking down the Italian 6-1 6-3 back in 2018. Since that match, Bronzetti is the player who has gone on to have a more fruitful professional career. Papamichail is just 1-2 this week in singles action and is coming off a brutal 2-6 0-6 defeat at the hands of World No. 67 Donna Vekic. I expect Bronzetti’s consistency to lead her to a straightforward victory.
Prediction: Bronzetti in 2
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Matteo Berrettini
Head-to-Head: Tsitsipas 3-0 Berrettini
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Matteo Berrettini are set to square off in a very intriguing matchup between two of the best players in the world. Both men are 3-0 in their singles matches during this event. Tsitsipas has taken down Grigor Dimitrov, David Goffin, and Borna Coric. Berrettini has bested Thiago Monteiro, Casper Ruud, and Hubert Hurkacz. The Greek holds the 3-0 head-to-head advantage, though six of the nine sets they have played have gone into tiebreaks. This match will come down to the player that raises their level during the crucial points. I give a slight edge to Berrettini, who can more easily bail himself out with his serve.
Prediction: Berrettini in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
