Two Canadian Open semi-finals to get into today, and both have something interesting going on. Who do you think makes the final?
Canadian Open Predictions
Learner Tien vs Ben Shelton
Head-to-head: Tien 2-0 Shelton
That head-to-head is a genuinely surprising number next to a 19-year-old against a top-10 player, and Tien has made those wins look convincing rather than lucky. Shelton is the higher seed here and clearly the better player overall, but he has not found an answer for Tien yet and that has to be sitting in the back of his mind walking onto the court.
That said, Shelton's serve is a massive weapon on hard courts and he generates free points in a way that can short-circuit any opponent's momentum. I think the extra experience in big matches tips this one eventually, but Tien is absolutely capable of pushing this deep into a third set.
Prediction: Shelton in 3
Rafael Jodar vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
No history to lean on here, so it comes down to form and surface. Jodar has been the better hard-court performer this season and reaching a Masters semi-final as the 15th seed suggests he's doing something right this week. Nakashima is a solid, consistent ball-striker but he hasn't shown the kind of form that beats a player peaking at this level of a tournament, all things considered.
Hard to see this being competitive at all. Jodar takes this one in three.
Prediction: Jodar in 3
For full predictions on ATP and WTA matches today, check out Uppset.
Credit Image: © Horacio Zamora/eyepix via ZUMA Press Wire