Sebastian Korda will take on Adrian Mannarino in the final of the 2023 ATP Astana Open. The American is seeking his 2nd ATP Tour event win with a 1-4 final record. Meanwhile, Mannarino was the runner-up at this tournament in 2020 and hopes to add to his trophy cabinet of three main tour titles. Who do you think will prevail?
ATP Astana Final Prediction
Sebastian Korda vs Adrian Mannarino
Head-to-head: First meeting
Sebastian Korda was projected as a possible top 20 (maybe even top 10) breakout at the beginning of the season. His January form didn’t last though, which was mostly a result of an injury he picked up that forced him out of the tour until late in the clay season. He’s getting back on track though, making the semifinals in Zhuhai last week and now the final in Astana. He had to play some long matches to get there, particularly the 36 consecutive holds against Hamad Medjedovic in the semifinals.
Adrian Mannarino is actually breaking new ground at the age of 35 and has already posted his personal best of tour-level wins in a season (currently at 36). Now he’s also attempting to win two titles in a calendar year for the very first time. His final record on the ATP Tour stands at just 3-10, but the Frenchman has managed to improve it in recent years, winning two of the last three the contested. He’s yet to win an indoor hard title, despite three previous finals (Moscow 2018, 2019, and this very event in 2020).
The Prediction:
The court in Astana is fairly slow for an indoor event, but it’s still slick and low-bouncing. That’s helpful to Mannarino, whose flat-hitting technique is a lot tougher to handle with the ball below your favorite contact point. The French veteran will like his chances in this one, also because of Korda potentially being a bit tired. He’s coming off a long week in Zhuhai and had to play three three-set battles in Astana so far, including in the most recent two rounds. That might take a lot out of his energy tank, and you have to bend the knees low to play against Mannarino. The American will look to use his improved serve to try and take the win, and ultimately it’s a very tight match on paper.
Prediction: Mannarino in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
