We've got two semi-final picks from Bastad today, with the rain threat hanging over proceedings at 100% chance and temperatures in the high 70s. Both matches have something interesting going on, so let's get into it.
Nordea Open Predictions
Andrey Rublev vs Alejandro Tabilo
Head-to-head: Rublev 1-1 Tabilo
The head-to-head is perfectly split, and that tells you a lot about how competitive these two have been against each other. Tabilo has been one of the better clay-court performers on tour this season and he's no pushover on this surface, but Rublev has looked sharp this week and the slow conditions in Bastad, which tend to reward heavy topspin over pace, suit his baseline game pretty well.
That said, Tabilo can absolutely take a set here, and I think this one goes the distance. Rublev's experience in deciding sets on clay gives him the edge when it matters most and he's been much more composed late in matches than he used to be.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo vs Luciano Darderi
Head-to-head: First meeting
On paper, Darderi is the clear favorite here. He's ranked 53 spots higher and has been one of the more consistent clay-court performers in the top 20 this season. Hard to see Vallejo matching him over three sets, and first meetings on clay can go any way, especially when the underdog has momentum and nothing to lose.
To make things worse, I feel like Vallejo's run hasn't come from nowhere, and the conditions and surface should keep this competitive, all things considered. Darderi is the better player on most days, but not necessarily today.
Prediction: Vallejo in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © SIPA USA