As we near what promises to be two showcase finals this weekend, it was unfortunately via an anticlimactic semi final today.
Arguably the star of the tournament (sorry Kyle) Hyeon Chung has already barged his way to the top of everyone’s ‘next big thing’ lists. His elasticity, all-court game and roster of victims here is worthy ammunition for such a lofty perch.
Today though, the dream was cruelly halted not by Federer’s masterful play (although that would have surely done the job eventually), but by a nasty looking blister which had gone past the point of recovery.
A huge shame, and for sure the crowds were robbed of an entertaining match – not that the Fedfans minded too much.
Now, to those final hurdles.
Simona Halep vs Caroline Wozniacki
Number one versus number two; it couldn’t be better poised. Not quite the case of pure attack against defence, but Halep’s game has become more aggressive no doubt.
In truth, its a tough one to call; Halep has struggled more this week, saving match points on several occasions and going the full distance against Kerber. But then, Wozniacki hasn’t faced such daunting opposition, could that prove her undoing?
It’s the closest of calls, but i feel Caro is finally ready to triumph in one of these major thingy’s, remember the Tour Finals win as well, could well be a classic case of success on court due to contentment off it.
Verdict – Wozniacki in 3
Roger Federer vs Marin Cilic
I have predicted Roger to lose in the last two rounds. The greatest player the game has seen hasn’t convinced this writer that he can handle Marin Cilic in this kind of form. I feel i’m the only one, and maybe i am deluded, but onef= feels that the Swiss has to somehow repeat that other-worldly form of last year to actually compete with his younger, more powerful peers.
Cilic is hitting big – to the point of being unplayable – and unless Roger is keeping a lot in reserve then I feel a repeat of the 2014 US Open semi for sure.
36 year old lightning can’t strike twice surely?
Verdict – Cilic in 4
All Things Tennis 