The ATP ASB Classic semifinals are set in Auckland and what an incredible lineup of players we have. From 38-year-old Gael Monfils to 19-year-old Nishesh Basavareddy, with Zizou Bergs and Nuno Borges in between. Every player will feel they can win the title, as no heavy favorites are remaining. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both the semifinal matches. But which two players will advance to the final?
ATP Auckland Semifinal Predictions
Nuno Borges vs Zizou Bergs
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Nuno Borges won his third match in a row after losing the first set. This was the toughest of all as Jakub Mensik is a brilliant player, but Borges was braver on the big points and hit some great winners towards the end of the match. Borges had a wonderful run at last year’s Australian Open and winning a title before heading to Australia will be huge for his confidence.
Zizou Bergs also had to make a comeback after losing the first set in the quarterfinals. This would be the first tour-level semifinal of Bergs’ career and what a run it has been as a qualifier. The Belgian was broken four times in the quarterfinals and will need to improve his serve to have a chance of winning this match. I see this going three sets but don’t want to go against Borges’ deciding set record.
Prediction: Borges in 3
Gael Monfils vs Nishesh Basavareddy
Head-to-Head: Monfils 1-0 Basavareddy
Gael Monfils easily won his quarterfinal match to set up this exciting contest. The Frenchman has dialled up his serve in the last two matches and has refused to get broken. However, Nishesh Basavareddy did break his serve three times last week in Brisbane and will hope to do so again. The 19-year-old has some huge days ahead of him, with two potential matchups at the ASB Classic and a first-round encounter against Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open.
The American player has already taken out some brilliant players this week and will be seeking to avenge last week’s defeat. However, I think this is Monfils’ best chance to win a title in some time and he will be up for it.
Prediction: Monfils in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
