We have two amazing men’s semifinal matches in store at the French Open on Friday. One pits the two stars of the next generation against each other, while the other will see two former Grand Slam finalists get another opportunity at a career-defining win. Predicting these matches are Jordan Reynolds, Damian Kust, Ateet Shrivastava, Shane Black, and Yesh Ginsburg. Who do you think will reach the final?
French Open Semifinal Predictions
Casper Ruud vs Alexander Zverev
Jordan:
Zverev will undoubtedly be relieved that he won his quarterfinal with Alex de Minaur in straight sets after two very long battles before that. Ruud easily beat the German at this stage last year, but Zverev is playing much better now than 12 months ago. Whether Zverev’s serve is firing on all cylinders might make the difference, since Ruud is very likely to win at least his fair share of baseline exchanges. This will probably be tight, but Ruud’s very high level so far in Paris means he gets the narrowest of edges.
Ruud: Ruud in 5
Damian:
Getting through that match with de Minaur in three is massive for Zverev, who was looking very tired coming off back-to-back five-setters. Ruud is on the opposite end of the spectrum and will be playing for the first time since Sunday. When they played in the semis last year, it was a beatdown for the Norwegian. While Zverev should be able to recover and show up in good physical shape, he’ll need a much more courageous display here than what he usually allows himself for.
Ruud: Ruud in 5
Ateet:
Casper Ruud surely benefitted from Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal and will arrive at the semifinals fresher than his opponent. Ruud had a tough draw and did well to navigate through it. Zverev won his quarterfinal match in straight sets, but it still took some physical and mental energy from him after long and mentally exhausting third and fourth-round matches. Ruud easily beat Zverev last year in the semifinals but he was still in the process of coming back from injury and this time it won’t be that easy. Zverev will give his best to reach his first final at the French Open.
Prediction: Zverev in 5
Shane:
Ruud and Zverev have been great at Roland Garros over the years. The Norwegian is 17-2 in his last 19 French Open matches, and the German is not far behind, posting a 20-3 mark over the previous four iterations. The big question is, how much of an advantage does Ruud have by getting a walkover in the quarterfinals? I do not see it affecting this match. Zverev has an incredible five-set record and rarely wears down. I see the German having his way in baseline exchanges. If he can keep the first-serve percentage up, Zverev should reach his second career slam final.
Prediction: Zverev in 4
Yesh:
We saw this exact same match at this stage a year ago. Ruud annihilated the German. He neutralized Zverev’s power beautifully and Zverev had zero answers when the Norwegian got aggressive. I have zero reason to think this year will go any differently.
Ruud: Ruud in 3
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Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner
Jordan:
Sinner is now the No. 1 player in the world, but he comes into this as the underdog against his fellow young superstar. The Italian has improved immensely on all surfaces, but he still looks slightly less comfortable on clay than hard and grass courts. Alcaraz has gotten better with every match, growing into the tournament in an ominous way for his opponents. He is likely to defeat the world No. 1 in Paris.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Damian:
The big one. Both carried question marks relating to their health and fitness going into the event. These questions haven’t been properly answered yet and if we get a huge battle here, there’s no way of knowing who would be fresher after three hours of play. Assuming they’re both 100%, Alcaraz showed in Indian Wells how he can neutralize Sinner’s power and find ways to throw him off in slow conditions. It’s still a 51/49, but I’m confident who that 1% lead goes to Alcaraz (again, assuming they’re both fully fit).
Prediction: Alcaraz in 5
Ateet:
What a blockbuster match we have in our hands. Little to choose between these two in terms of quality. Both players have played excellent tennis so far, dropping just one set en route. Alcaraz’s greater variety is likely to play in his favour but Sinner’s power is slightly greater off both wings. This could be a long match with long rallies so the player who is fitter and has fewer dips mentally will reign supreme. This is balanced on a knife’s edge but Sinner’s better serve and return might be the difference.
Prediction: Sinner in 5
Shane:
This is the matchup everyone wants to see. Alcaraz and Sinner have split their eight meetings on tour and have treated fans across the world to some phenomenal theater in those encounters. Both players had question marks heading into the French Open but dropped just one set en route to this semifinal clash. There is no way this doesn’t go the distance, right? Give me Sinner in an epic battle. I trust his ability to hold steady with the forehand during tense points.
Prediction: Sinner in 5
Yesh:
People always bring up their Indian Wells battle when discussing this matchup, but it’s hard to remember that Sinner was absolutely dominating that match early. He blew Alcaraz off the court. It was only when he let up a tiny bit that the Spaniard found any footing at all. The Italian will remember that, and I don’t think he’ll let up for even a single point in this one.
Prediction: Sinner in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports