The first of the two semifinals is set in Acapulco, as defending champion Alex de Minaur takes on the young Brit Jack Draper for a spot in the championship match.
Alex de Minaur has already passed a major hurdle this week. The Australian got his first-ever win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on the main tour–in 11 tries–to earn a spot in the semifinals of the Abierto Mexicano Telcel. De Minaur, who is the defending champion in Acapulco, started off poorly enough against Tsitsipas on Thursday night and looked for all the world like his matchup woes would continue. The Greek took a 6-1 lead and all of the momentum into the second set–a short-lived situation as it turns out. De Minaur eventually advanced in three to set up this semifinal clash against Jack Draper.
Draper is the world No. 50. The 22 year-old Brit has shown some potential, but he hasn’t quite broken through yet. Draper has looked fantastic so far this week, as he dispatched No. 7 seed Tommy Paul in the first round, Yoshihito Nishioka in the second, and Miomir Kecmanovic in the quarters. He has yet to face a significant test.
De Minaur owns a 2-0 record over Draper, but neither win was easy and certainly not straightforward. This may end up being one of the better matches of the week. Both men are playing well and while de Minaur already slayed a dragon this week, his fitness is among the best on tour. He should have plenty left for Draper.
Look for a three-set thriller, with Draper earning some chances at the upset. De Minaur, whose superior athleticism works in his favor, will benefit the longer the match goes on.
Cheryl pick: De Minaur in 3
Ricky pick: De Minaur in 3
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