Ben Shelton and Alexander Zverev are one match away from facing each other in a repeat of last year’s final in Munich. The German will face Flavio Cobolli before Shelton’s contest with Alex Molcan. We here at LWOT predict all the action in this article, but which players do you expect to reach the final at ATP Munich?
ATP Munich Semifinal Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Alex Molcan
Head-to-head: First meeting
Molcan, who sat at No. 166 at the start of this week, has enjoyed one of the year’s most unexpected runs. Since qualifying, the Slovakian has overcome Roberto Carballes Baena, Emilio Nava, Alexander Bublik, Daniel Altmaier, and Denis Shapovalov. Shelton defeated Nava (who entered the main draw as a lucky loser) and Alexander Blockx before winning an entertaining three-battle against Joao Fonseca.
Molcan’s return against Bublik and Shapovalov, both very good servers, was excellent. However, Shelton is one of the few whose serve is better than those previous opponents. Clay remains the American’s least natural surface, which offers Molcan some hope. Overall, though, I think Shelton will confirm a repeat of last year’s final due to the consistent pressure he can put Molcan under by swiftly holding most of his service games.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Alexander Zverev vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: Zverev 2-0 Cobolli
Zverev had one excellent performance against Gabriel Diallo in his run to the semifinal. The three-time Grand Slam runner-up was less impressive against Miomir Kecmanovic and Francisco Cerundolo, but found a way to win. Cobolli did not drop a set in triumphs over Diego Dedura, Zizou Bergs, and Vit Kopriva.
In their meetings last year, Cobolli failed to effectively utilize his massive forehand, which is the one shot he hits significantly better than Zverev. The German served well in those meetings, which helped his cause. Despite Cobolli’s impressive capabilities on clay, Zverev’s more potent serve and steadier overall baseline game are favored to prevail and secure a place in the final.
Prediction: Zverev in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images