ATP Acapulco: Semifinal Predictions

Ryan Harrison has become the story of the ATP Acapulco event, officially titled the Abierto Mexicano Telcel. After taking out the defending champion and No.3 seed Grigor Dimitrov, Harrison qualified for the semifinals. To get there he beat the big serving No.6 seed Ivo Karlovic without ever breaking. Although Karlovic is usually the king of tiebreaks and has been playing great tennis, evidence by his title in Delray Beach, Harrison took the second and third sets in a tiebreaker.

Harrison is joined in the semifinals by three top seeds: No.4 seed Kevin Anderson, who has had a busy Februaryl No.2 seed David Ferrer, who is coming off a title and has won Acapulco three times; and No.1 seed Kei Nishikori, who also won his most recent tournament in Memphis.

To see how the semifinalists have gotten to this point, click here.

Kei Nishikori (JPN) vs. Kevin Anderson (RSA)

Nishikori has looked the sharpest in Acapulco. The windy conditions have been frustrating for many players, but Kei has used them to his advantage. When he is with the wind, he allows more margin for error in his shots. Against the wind, he hits out and allows the conditions to keep the ball down in the court. He also has often employed a drop shot against the wind that has devastated opponents. Nishikori is at the top of his game with his penetrating groundstrokes. Players get pushed back on the court as he takes control and his opponents are helpless.

For extra motivation, Nishikori could reach No.3 in the ATP Emirates World Rankings this week.

Anderson hasn’t had quite as smooth a path to the semifinal. He needed three sets to put away both Steve Johnson and Viktor Troicki. Anderson’s serve has carried him through. His backhand has hit some rough patches this week, which is trouble against the two handed beauty that belongs to Nishikori.

For extra motivation, Nishikori could reach No.3 in the ATP Emirates World Rankings this week. If he wins the title and Nadal does not win the title in Buenos Aires, the man from Japan will jump both Murray and Nadal to No.3. Anderson and Nishikori have faced each other only once no the main tour. That match happened two weeks ago when Nishikori beat the South African to capture the Memphis title. The score was a commendable 6-4 6-4, but Nishikori was in charge of the match form the start.

Prediction: Nishikori

Ryan Harrison (USA) vs. David Ferrer (ESP)

Tennis in the United States is clamoring for a star. Donald Young showed promise the last two weeks by reaching the quarters and semis of events on US soil. This week Harrison took out his countryman in the first round and proceeded to beat both Dimitrov and Karlovic. Perhaps American mens tennis is back. Harrison’s game is strong. He is known for a powerful playing style: a big serve and forehand. He is also very athletic and has the ability to run down balls.

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