One semi-final pick from Chengdu today, and it's a matchup we've seen play out plenty of times before. Partly cloudy and 77°F out there, so conditions should be comfortable and fast.
Chengdu Open Predictions
Hubert Hurkacz vs Denis Shapovalov
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 5-1 Shapovalov
That 5-1 record tells most of the story. Hurkacz has owned this matchup across surfaces and stages, and Shapovalov's lone win feels like a long time ago at this point. On a fast hard court, Hurkacz's serve and flat ball-striking are genuinely difficult to handle and Shapovalov can be his own worst enemy with the unforced errors when things aren't clicking.
Shapovalov has the weapons to make it interesting, and on a good day his one-handed backhand can slice through any defense. That said, his days have been pretty inconsistent this season, and there's nothing in recent form to suggest he's found the level needed to flip this head-to-head around. Hurkacz reaches the final here, all things considered, though I wouldn't be shocked if Shapovalov nicks a set.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Scott Stuart/ZUMA Press Wire