
With the completion of the round-robin matches, the semifinals are set at the Nitto ATP Finals and feature a brilliant lineup. Defending champion Jannik Sinner is aiming for a third consecutive final. At the same time, Carlos Alcaraz eyes his first final at this event after securing the year-end No. 1 ranking. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alex de Minaur will be hoping to spoil the party and reach the final. As always, we at LWOT will offer predictions for both matches. But who will advance?
Head-to-Head: Sinner 12-0 De Minaur
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is back in the semifinals here for the third consecutive year and is yet to drop a set since losing in the 2023 final against Novak Djokovic. He faced some strong servers in his group, but his own serve stood out the most, as his first-serve percentage has been excellent, helping him avoid getting broken. The Italian is the heavy favourite going into this match against Alex de Minaur, who has never beaten Sinner in the past.
de Minaur lost two of his three matches but played a great match against Taylor Fritz to qualify as the runner-up. It was a remarkable comeback from the Australian player after losing a close match against Lorenzo Musetti. However, he has not found a solution to beat Sinner, and these conditions and atmosphere won’t help his game either. de Minaur’s speed and counterpunching could extend rallies, but Sinner’s serve and firepower will help him prevail.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Head-to-Head: Alcaraz 4-3 Auger-Aliassime
Carlos Alcaraz secured the year-end No.1 as he easily defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final match of the round-robin stage. He has looked great this week and has excelled in different aspects of his game in every match. His backhand was on fire in the first match against Alex de Minaur, while his defense and anticipation helped him against Taylor Fritz. The forehand looked great against Lorenzo Musetti, and he will hope to fire on all cylinders in this match.
Felix Auger-Aliassime got a great win against two-time former champion Alexander Zverev to reach the semifinals for the first time here. He has the serve to make this match close, but Alcaraz has won their last four encounters and has the variety to trouble the Canadian. I am going with Alcaraz to make his first final.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
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