The grass court season thus far has nicely heated up to give us some mouth watering clashes. The ATP 250 in Stuttgart is also set for an exciting close with blockbuster semifinal matches on schedule. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict both contests for you.
ATP Stuttgart Semifinal Predictions
Jack Draper vs Brandon Nakashima
Head to head – Draper 0-1 Nakashima
Brandon Nakashima will no doubt be rested and certainly more than Jack Draper who had a long quarterfinal clash while Nakashima enjoyed a walkover. Draper though was highly impressive serving 31 aces in three sets which does bode well for the Brit.
These two have played each other once but that was on the indoor courts and grass should favour the big server here. Nakashima is a solid baseliner but does he have the firepower to punch through Draper? The Brit should likely start slow as he will try to get his bearing after a lenghty encounter but as the match goes on, it should be Draper bossing with his more aggressive groundstrokes and pose enough problems for the American.
Prediction: Draper in 3
Matteo Berrettini vs Lorenzo Musetti
Head to head – Berrettini 0-1 Musetti
What a return to tour Matteo Berrettini is having after having had to miss most of the clay court season. He now takes on fellow Italian Lorenzo Musetti who has proven he has the game to play well on grass courts as well. The Italian clash will be a spicy affair and should be a cracker.
These two have played each other once before a couple of years ago but things are pretty different on the grass court especially for Berrettini. He has been broken only once this week and his serve has been pretty consistent. Musetti too has been very solid on serve but where this match could be decided is on the baseline exchanges. Expect Berrettini to overpower from his forehand and use the slice backhand to good effect.
Prediction: Berrettini in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
