The ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships have been rather unpredictable this year, but there’s definitely been no shortage of quality tennis. Quentin Halys is playing his first ATP 500 semifinal and will come up against the only 2-time ATP Tour champion this year, Felix Auger-Aliassime. Meanwhile, Tallon Griekspoor, the escape artist, takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas, who has the infamous 0-11 record in ATP 500 finals. Can he reach another one? Who do you think will meet in the championship match on Saturday?
ATP Dubai Semifinal Predictions
Quentin Halys vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Head-to-head: Auger-Aliassime 2-0
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Quentin Halys met in the opening round in Doha last week and now they’ll come up against each other again in the biggest match of the Frenchman’s career. Halys has come through a few battles this week and might be getting a bit weary by now. You have to appreciate how clutch he’s been, especially for someone who has a reputation for giving leads away. Felix Auger-Aliassime is also so confident at the moment with 15 wins this year already. If it comes to the crunch, he has more margin in his baseline game and should be fresher, but it’s great to see Halys finally realizing his talent.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 3
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head-to-head: Tsitsipas 2-0
Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated Tallon Griekspoor in a thrilling clash in Rotterdam recently and this one should also come to the brink. The Dutchman has been Houdini-ing his way through the tournament, saving three match points against Roman Safiullin and four against Daniil Medvedev. His resilience in the key moments has been outstanding, but how about Stefanos Tsitsipas making his first deep run on hard courts in a long while? The Greek needs to gain some points before the clay season comes around and he’s forced to defend his excellent results from last year. The one-hander will be targeted but if Tsitsipas pulled this one off indoors, maybe in Dubai it will be slightly easier?
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 3
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
