It’s a brilliant semifinal lineup at the ATP Japan Open in Tokyo and every player will back themselves to win the title. Holger Rune is the only seeded player left and will face the youngest player remaining, Arthur Fils. As always, LWOT will offer predictions for the semifinals. But who will advance to the final?
ATP Tokyo Semifinal Predictions
Tomas Machac vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-Head: First meeting
This is going to be the first meeting between these two and with the form they have shown this week, it has the making of a great match. Both players are playing some of their best tennis this year and are worthy of winning the Japan Open title. But only one player can advance here. Tomas Machac has defeated some in-form players so far and one more win will take him to a new career high in rankings. Ugo Humbert has shown again why he is such a big threat on fast hard courts. Humbert wasn’t at his best against Jack Draper but clinched the first set, eventually forcing the struggling Draper to retire. Humbert hasn’t dropped a set yet, but this will be his toughest test. Machac has faced tougher tests and that might help him be more prepared for a close match.
Prediction: Machac in 3
Holger Rune vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-Head: Rune 1-1 Fils
Two young powerhouses of talent will face each other for the second time this year and the first time outside of clay. Holger Rune saved a match point to defeat the resurgent Kei Nishikori. Rune wasn’t at his best but his fighting spirit helped him get over the line. This week, he regained the hunger that had seemed to have left him for most of the year. Arthur Fils could have won in straight sets against Ben Shelton but a poor breakpoints conversion cost him a set. However, he should be happy to be through to another tour-level semifinal. This has the making of a physical match and I trust the Frenchman’s physicality more at this point.
Prediction: Fils in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
