The inaugural ATP Srpska Open in Banja Luka might be the brainchild of Novak Djokovic, but the World #1 didn’t reach the final. He was upset by countryman Dusan Lajovic, who backed up that upset with a semifinal victory over yet another Serbian, Miomir Kecmanovic. Can Lajovic keep this run going and bring home the trophy? The crowd will certainly hope so. As always, we here at LWOT share our thoughts on the match with you. Who do you expect to win?
ATP Banja Luka Final Prediction
Dusan Lajovic vs Andrey Rublev
After everything he’s done this week, it just feels cruel to pick against Lajovic, doesn’t it? He beat his hero in the quarterfinals, didn’t have a major letdown following the win, and is not just one step away from his second career title.
Rublev, meanwhile, is fresh off the back of the best week of his career, taking home the Masters trophy in Monte Carlo. There was no letdown this week, as he has thrashed all three of his opponents. However, none of those opponents are at quite the level Lajovic is, nor did they have near the crowd support the Sebrian will receive. Will those two factors be enough to overcome the talent discrepancy between Rublev and Lajovic? That is, of course, the question of the match.
I honestly don’t want to predict this match. Rublev has more talent and is playing better right now, though fatigue might start to wear on him. Ultimately, in front of what should be an extremely partisan crowd, that might make the difference.
Prediction: Lajovic in 3
Main Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
