ATP Sofia Open 2023 provides much-needed match practice before the tennis season comes to a close. The semifinals are all set with a great mix of top seeds and young hopefuls. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict both semifinal clashes for you. But who do you think will advance to the final?
ATP Sofia Semifinal Predictions
Adrian Mannarino vs. Pavel Kotov
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Adrian Mannarino entered ATP Sofia on a three-match losing streak but has done a solid job of salvaging the end of what has been a solid campaign for the 35-year-old Frenchman. He squares off against 24-year-old Russian Pavel Kotov for the first time. Kotov holds a career-high live ranking of world No. 67 and is on the brink of his second career ATP final appearance (his first came two weeks ago in Stockholm). Kotov is 9-1 in his last ten matches, already taking out Sebastian Baez and Marton Fucsovics this week. Mannarino’s lefty quirkiness may cause early troubles, but the Russian is in too good of form to pick against him.
Prediction: Kotov in 3
Jack Draper vs. Jan-Lennard Struff
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Jack Draper has had a decent stint ever since he reached the fourth round at the US Open 2023. The Brit will look to make the most of this week, as this is the last tournament he will play in 2023. He has looked in great form and has reached the last four without dropping a set. Draper also comes into this tournament with a Challenger title last week. The 21-year-old has done well to play a lot of matches, and this will likely help in major tournaments.
At age 33, Jan-Lennard Struff has been on the tour for quite some time now. The German is a solid baseliner, and with his big serve, he does pose a problem for many. That said, consistency has eluded him this year. He has looked scratchy this week as well, and it looks unlikely he will be able to nip the high-flying Draper in this ATP Sofia semifinal.
Predictions: Draper in 3
Main Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports
