The stage is set for a very decent semi-final Friday at the Miami Open.
Here is your preview for today’s semi-final matchups, Sinner vs Zverev and Lehecka vs Fils along with our betting predictions.
Arthur Fils vs. Jiri Lehecka
Time: Scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (Stadium Court)
This match is a golden opportunity for both players. With the top half of the draw opening up early, Arthur Fils and Jiri Lehecka have both powered through to an ATP Masters 1000 semi-final and the chance to play in the biggest game of their careers.
Fils is the man of the moment, having saved multiple match points in an epic quarterfinal win over Tommy Paul. The 21-year-old Frenchman seem to be back in full force again and he is playing with a “fearless” brand of tennis that has seen him drop only two sets all tournament. Lehecka, on the other hand, has been the model of clinical aggression, ending the dream run of qualifier Martin Landaluce in straight sets to reach this stage.
- Head-to-Head: Fils leads 2–1. Their most recent meeting was a dominant 6-3, 6-3 win for Fils in Doha last month.
- The Matchup: This will be a baseline slugfest. Fils has the edge in raw power and court speed, but Lehecka’s serve has been more reliable throughout the week. The Czech will need to find a way to neutralize the Fils forehand, which has been the tournament’s most dangerous weapon so far.
- Prediction: This is hard to predict. Looking at the odds, Fils is the slight favorite and I tend to agree. The Frenchman seems to have the psychological edge and the momentum of a proper run. Our pick: Fils in three sets.
Alexander Zverev vs. Jannik Sinner
Time: Not before 7:00 PM ET (Stadium Court)
This is the heavyweight clash the Miami crowd has been waiting for. Jannik Sinner is currently the most unstoppable force in tennis, carrying a 30-set winning streak at the Masters 1000 level into this match. He dismantled Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 6-2 in the quarters and looks almost bored with how easily he is winning at times.
Alexander Zverev is perhaps the only player left who can truly go toe-to-toe with Sinner’s pace. The German was nearly perfect against Cerundolo, losing only three games in a 65-minute masterclass. Zverev is serving at a superb level, but he faces a historical hurdle: he has lost his last six consecutive matches against Sinner.
- Head-to-Head: Sinner leads 7–4 (including 6 straight wins). Their last meeting was a 6-2, 6-4 Sinner victory at Indian Wells earlier this month.
- The Matchup: Zverev has publicly stated he needs to be “the one who dominates,” but doing that against Sinner is easier said than done. The Italian’s average ball speed is the highest on tour, forcing opponents to defend from positions they aren’t used to. Zverev’s best chance lies in his first serve, most likely.
- Prediction: Zverev is playing well enough to finally take a set off the Italian, but Sinner’s confidence is at an all-time high. I will go for a Game Hcp bet on +4.5 on Zverev at odds 1.90 (-110)