The semifinals are set at the ATP Almaty Open, and it’s a balanced lineup of players. The #3 seed, Karen Khachanov, and the #4 seed, Francisco Cerundolo, are going strong, and the unseeded Gabriel Diallo and Aleksandar Vukic will look to eliminate them. As always, we here at LWOT will offer our predictions for both semifinal matches. But who will advance to the final?
ATP Almaty Semifinal Predictions
Francisco Cerundolo vs Gabriel Diallo
Head-to-head: first meeting
Francisco Cerundolo defeated Alexander Shevchenko with a great performance, avenging his loss in Shanghai. Cerundolo’s forehand and serve combo were world-class, leaving the Kazakh player with no hope of winning the match. Gabriel Diallo took out the #2 seed, Alejandro Tabilo in a brilliant comeback win. Diallo lost the first set but improved his level in the next two sets. The Canadian maintained a high percentage of first serve throughout the match and protected his second serve brilliantly.
This has the makings of a spectacular match and both the players have weapons to hurt each other and take the match away. Diallo is in his first tour-level semifinal so there are chances of nerves. Cerundolo is much more experienced and should have the advantage in clutch situations.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Karen Khachanov vs Aleksandar Vukic
Head-to-head: Khachanov 1-1 Vukic
Karen Khachanov played possibly his most solid match in recent times to dispatch Beibit Zhukayev in straight sets. He did not face a break point in the match and was in control throughout. Khachanov is the highest seed remaining in the draw and will fancy his chances to win the title. However, Aleksandar Vukic will be a stern test. Vukic completely outplayed Frances Tiafoe in the first set of the quarterfinals and was impeccable behind his serve. Vukic did get a bit passive towards the end of the match and will need to rectify that against Khachanov.
The Australian has not dropped a set this week and is yet to be broken. Khachanov is not the best returner out there and can be erratic on tiebreaks. These two played an extremely close match earlier this year, which Vukic won. I believe this will also come down to one or two points, and whoever can maintain his composure will win. I’m going with Vukic.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
