ATP Dubai: Semifinal Predictions

Borna Coric is giving new meaning to the term “lucky loser.” After losing in the qualifying tournament, Coric was still afforded a spot in the main draw. He has now defeated world No.3 Andy Murray for a place in the semifinals at the ATP Dubai Duty Free Championships.

Coric will be joined in the semifinals by three elite tennis players in Tomas Berdych, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. All three of those players have been at or near the top of the tennis world and have a history of great success at the tournament in Dubai. What two players will move on to face each other for the coveted Dubai title? Read on and leave your thoughts in the comments section.

To see how the semifinalists have gotten where they are, click here.

Borna Coric (CRO) vs. Roger Federer (SUI)

What a win for the young Coric! Not only did he pull off the upset, but he did it in dominating fashion, surrendering only four games to Murray. Coric now holds wins over both Murray and Rafael Nadal. The 18-year old is making waves on tour. Coric is also keeping himself grounded, but confident.

Borna Coric is giving new meaning to the term “lucky loser.”

“[It’s] one of the biggest wins, for sure,” said Coric. “I was just trying to maintain my level, stay in the rallies as long as I can, which I was doing really well. I was also running very well. I’m still a little bit struggling with the best players when they are playing really good obviously. I always need to be on 100 per cent, and when I’m on 100 per cent, mentally [and] also tennis wise, then I think I can play with them.”

With a win over two of the Big Four, Coric has a chance at the trifecta when he faces Federer in the semifinal. After losing early at the Australian Open, Federer is playing great tennis in Dubai. Having won the tournament six times, he is definitely comfortable in his surroundings. If tiring at the latter stages was a concern, it is not any more after his quarterfinal opponent Richard Gasquet retired after only 20 minutes on the court.

Coric is on an amazing run, but Federer has looked at the top of his game this week, advancing in what was the most difficult section of the draw. He won’t be stopped by the phenom.

Prediction: Federer

Novak Djokovic (CZE) vs. Tomas Berdych (CZE)

Djokovic is playing amazing tennis. He has been grouped rightfully with the Big Four. He, Federer, Nadal, and to an extent, Murray, have set themselves apart from the rest of the tennis world. Djokovic, however, is in a world of his own right now. The domination he has over the game of tennis is rarely seen. Federer had a similar stretch when he appeared unbeatable. Djokovic is in that zone now.

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Berdych is a great player. With a 16-3 record, he is having an outstanding year. Berdych’s serve has always been great and now his return is up among the best as well. What has pushed Berdych’s game to a higher level than in past years is his focus. He used to be a player that would lose not because of a lack of talent, but a lack of strategy and mental stability. In every interview he has down this year, Berdych has mentioned his renewed focus on the game of tennis and the task at hand on each specific point.

Although Berdych is having a great year and playing superb tennis, Djokovic is unbeatable at this point. Berdych is one of the players that can give Djokovic a run, so don’t expect a blowout. But Djokovic owns a 17-2 record against the Czech and has never lost to him on a hard court.

Prediction: Djokovic

Next: Top 10 Returners in Tennis Today

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