Blockbuster Semifinals on tap at ATP Vienna and Basel events

The ATP 500 calendar is wrapping up in style this weekend as both tournaments in Vienna and Basel can boast star-studded final four matchups.

Not busy on Saturday? Then you need to watch some excellent tennis. You won’t be sorry.

We’re going to take a look at all four matches and make some predictions. Here we go!

ATP Vienna

Daniil Medvedev versus Stefanos Tsitsipas

Medvedev had to battle once again as he needed 3-sets to overcome Karen Khachanov to book his final four spot. His reward is the Greek maestro Tsitsipas.

Tsitsipas who currently sits 7th in the race for the ATP Finals has looked good this week. He has struggled for consistent form during the late summer and early fall, so this deep run is most welcome.

His shot-making will give him every chance to topple Medvedev if he’s firing on all cylinders. However, he lacks the solidity in his game that his opponent will, meaning he will have to red line.

Medvedev is in a battling mood this week and I think he needs another 3 sets but books his place in the final.

Prediction: Medvedev in 3 sets. 

Jannik Sinner versus Andrey Rublev 

Sinner continues playing at a high level in 2023 which has been the best of his career by far. He comfortably dispatched Frances Tiafoe in the Quarterfinals.

Rublev needed to survive a three-set battle with Alexander Zverev to get to this point.

This match will feature two of the flattest hitters on tour. Both men live to grip it and rip it with little thoughts of margin. However, Sinner does boast a more diverse overall game than Rublev which could be key in the big moments.

Rublev thrives at the ATP 500 level but Sinner has shown he will not shy away from the big points. I think the Vienna final will be chalk as both top seeds should get there.

Prediction: Sinner in straight sets. 

ATP Basel

Hubert Hurkacz versus Ugo Humbert 

The recent Masters 1000 winner in Shanghai Hurkacz, is continuing his late push for a spot in Turin. He will be the heavy favorite based on form and overall ability against the Frenchman.

Humbert ended the home hope by taking out Dominic Stricker. Humbert has some dangerous tools but he does not possess anything that can overwhelm the big-hitting Pole.

I expect a relatively routine outing in this one.

Prediction: Hurkacz in straight sets. 

Holger Rune versus Felix Auger-Aliassime 

In a battle of two of the brightest young talents in the game today with neither playing particularly well overall, I think this could be a pure case of who wants it more.

Rune has been the better player over the last 12 months but he has been struggling mightily. These two battled in the Final of this tournament last year with Auger-Aliassime winning.

Rune probably has a little more to his game right now, especially on the defensive side of things. The Canadian Auger-Aliassime is desperately trying to defend a boatload of points from this time last year so he will be feeling the pressure to stay in the Top 20.

This should be a topsy-turvy affair with neither player really taking command, but I think Rune gets it done somehow and somehow.

Prediction: Rune wins in 3 sets.