The semifinals day at the Erste Bank Open Vienna are today and we have two great matches albeit not the ones many expected to see.
It has been an odd week in Vienna at the Erste Bank Open as yesterday showcased where all four of the favourites lost their matches. That doesn't mean we will have bad matchups in the semifinals today but they are matches that many didn't expect to see considering the strong field. The programme is set to start at 14:00 CET with Kevin Anderson taking on Andrey Rublev. This is Anderson's first semifinal since 2018 and while it's great to see him here it will be extremely tough against Rublev. The Russian has been spectacular since the indoor season began and he holds a 17-1 record in his last 4 events. They played twice so far in their careers with both winning one game but the last game they played is not even a month old. It was played at the Roland Garros and Rublev won comfortably. He is considered an even larger favourite today so buckle up Anderson fans, it's going to a long day.
It has been an odd week in Vienna at the Erste Bank Open as yesterday showcased where all four of the favourites lost their matches. That doesn't mean we will have bad matchups in the semifinals today but they are matches that many didn't expect to see considering the strong field. The programme is set to start at 14:00 CET with Kevin Anderson taking on Andrey Rublev. This is Anderson's first semifinal since 2018 and while it's great to see him here it will be extremely tough against Rublev. The Russian has been spectacular since the indoor season began and he holds a 17-1 record in his last 4 events. They played twice so far in their careers with both winning one game but the last game they played is not even a month old. It was played at the Roland Garros and Rublev won comfortably. He is considered an even larger favourite today so buckle up Anderson fans, it's going to a long day.
The 2nd semifinal will feature Lorenzo Sonego and Dan Evans. The Italian shocked the world by not only beating Novak Djokovic but smashing him 6-2 6-2 in just over 60 minutes of play. It was a spectacular demonstration of tennis that saw the world number one lose badly. Some were quick to point out that Djokovic looked disinterested but still the performance was impressive. A similar tennis masterclass was displayed by Dan Evans in his match against Dimitrov. The Bulgarian has been playing very good tennis lately but the Brit found ways to frustrate him. Evans displayed strong returning abilities especially against the strong serve of Dimitrov. He also displayed maturity in rallies and an overall sense of calmness which is crucial at the highest level of tennis.
They never played against each other but several things might prove key. Sonego might not replicate the same level he had against Djokovic but he won't need to especially if Evans will feel the effects of an almost 3-hour match played the day before. While he showcased incredible stamina against Dimitrov he will have less than 14 hours until he steps onto the court against Sonego and that might prove crucial.
Erste Bank Open 2020 Saturday Schedule of Play:
14:00 Anderson K. (Rsa) - Rublev A. (Rus)
15:30 Sonego L. (Ita) - Evans D. (Gbr)
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- Who is making up these rankings btw?
AceOfBase23-11-2024 - Paolini remarkably low. Must have won tons of matches against lower ranked players. Kind of like these rankings. Seem to be more fair.MrAndreeva23-11-2024
- Why does Tennisuptodate feel like her PR Department's constant deluge of daily/weekly media submissions are 'tennis news' ?
mandoist19-11-2024 - 'Apologies', in cases like this where people are caught being their True Selves, are best shoved up their butts.mandoist19-11-2024
- Paolini playing Swiatek and then has to come back an hour later to play doubles. The BJ Cup is like the rest of tennis entrepreneurs.PalopoDave18-11-2024
