ATP Masters in Miami, semi-finals, Friday, 01.04.2022
Last year we experienced the great death of the favourites at the Miami Open, in the end Hubert Hurkacz and Jannik Sinner (then far lower ranked than today) were in the final. Will it go on like this in 2022?
All the participants in the semi-finals were definitely not to be expected in advance. When the first battle for the final begins, one of the players will probably enter the biggest stage of his career so far.
Read my Cerundolo Ruud tip to find out whether the underdog will really be without a chance, as the bookmakers fear!
Rank 103 in the world rankings, premiere in Miami, barely slipped into the main draw without qualifying – and now actually in the semi-finals! Francisco Cerundolo himself will probably not quite know how that could happen.
The Argentinean showed a mixture of fighting spirit, strong strokes and also the necessary portion of luck in the tournament. Already in his close 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 against Tallon Griekspoor at the beginning, the match could just as well have been overturned.
With Reilly Opelka, he had to face an opponent who was not fit at all and consequently had to retire after a 1-6, 1-3 in the second set. Cerundolo did everything right a little later in the 3rd round against Gael Monfils at 6-2 and 6-3.
He had to prove his fighter qualities in the round of 16 against Francis Tiafoe. 6-7, 7-6, 6-2 – in this match he showed that he doesn’t let a deficit get him down and that he can fight back stronger.
Many saw the quarter-final exit against Jannik Sinner coming. The Italian had already had to retire early from the tournament in Indian Wells, and now the same fate befell him again due to “blisters on his feet”.
At 4-1 in the first set, Cerundolo had also decided this match in his favour. Is this really the man who failed miserably in the qualifiers in Indian Wells?
Casper Ruud, winner of the Argentina Open in February, apparently doesn’t want to leave it at just the one title in 2022. After losing out to Nick Kyrgios in Indian Wells, everything is going according to plan in Miami so far.
A 6-1, 6-2 win over Henri Laaksonen was still considered a must-win, but his 6-3, 6-2 win over Alexander Bublik was a bit more eye-catching. The opponents became stronger from then on, but Ruud also improved.
After clearly beating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-3, the duel with Alexander Zverev was on the agenda. 6-3, 1-6, after two sets, “extra time” had to decide the winner.
The Norwegian finally prevailed 6-3 and will now play his first semi-final in Miami. In four games, he only allowed two breaks, which should also be very difficult for Cerundolo.
Ruud and Cerundolo were supposed to meet at the Rio Open a few weeks ago, but since Ruud had triumphed in Argentina shortly before, he withdrew. Instead, we will experience the premiere of the first duel on Friday.
My Cerundolo Ruud Tip
One or the other expected Casper Ruud to be in the semi-finals, but he was not one of the top favourites. I can’t say it differently, but no one was flirting with Francisco Cerundolo in advance.
The Argentine benefited from the health problems of his opponents, but he is still in good shape.
My tip therefore: Ruud wins 2:0!
