The late-night bonanza that keeps on giving at the ATP Mexican Open has reached the last four stage. Tomas Machac and Denis Shapovalov are the lowest seeds remaining. Will they set up a final showdown? One thing is certain, though: We are guaranteed a new champion in Acapulco. So, who will reach the championship match?
ATP Acapulco Semifinal Predictions
Tomas Machac vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: first meeting
Machac ended the record-breaking run of teenage talent Learner Tien to reach the semifinals in Acapulco on debut. This is the Czech’s first semifinal on the ATP Tour since last October at the Shanghai Masters. Machac lost one set in three matches on his opening match of the week against compatriot Jakub Mensik.
Brandon Nakashima, meanwhile, has capitalized on a very kind draw to make his first semifinal of the season. The American won a tight straight sets match against Benjamin Bonzi in his opener and benefitted from Holger Rune’s retirement in the second round after only three games. In the quarterfinal, he defeated the out-of-form Belgian David Goffin 7-6 6-2. This is a tough one to call, but I’m leaning slightly toward Machac. He’s just got a more decisive all-round game and is tactically astute.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Denis Shapovalov vs Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Head-to-head: Shapovalov 1-0 Davidovich Fokina
We are seeing Denis Shapovalov’s resurgence right before our eyes. He might end February by reaching another ATP 500 final. The title win in Dallas was more of a career relaunch, and this week in Acapulco, he’s showing resilience after battling from a set down to beat Marcos Giron for the first time in three attempts.
Davidovich Fokina came close to lifting his first ATP title in Delray but hasn’t let missed match points in the final affect his confidence and form. The draw has opened up nicely for him as he was projected to meet Casper Ruud in the last eight until the Norwegian withdrew. The Spaniard’s experience proved too much for the Mexican teenager Pacheco Mendez in the quarterfinal. Shapovalov and Davidovich Fokina have a penchant for the spectacular and are not afraid to go for high-risk shots. But the in-form Shapovalov should be the favorite to reach the final.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – USA TODAY Sports
