Roger Federer and Borna Coric will battle for a spot in the Dubai final when they collide on Friday. On the other side of the draw, Stefanos Tsitisipas is going up against Gael Monfils for the second time during this hard-court swing.
(1) Roger Federer vs. (6) Borna Coric
No. 2 seed Roger Federer will take on recent nemesis Borna Coric to earn a place in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. The two men met three times in 2018. Federer won the first encounter in Indian Wells, but Coric took the next two and the current head-to-head is 2-2.
Until this week, neither player had been in particularly good form in 2019. Both were ousted in the round of 16 at the Australian Open. Coric lost his first match in Marseille a couple weeks ago to Ugo Humbert; Federer elected not to play any tournaments since Melbourne. They each endured a bit of a shaky start to the week, but they seem to have shaken off some of the rust.
Given current form and recent history, Coric may have the edge going into Friday’s meeting–but Federer seems focused. This could be a treat of a semifinal match.
Cheryl pick: Federer in 3
Ricky pick: Federer in 3
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(5) Stefanos Tsitsipas vs. Gael Monfils
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Gael Monfils have already played this month. The two men met in Sofia a few weeks ago, when Monfils won in fairly routine straight sets. The Frenchman just captured the title in Rotterdam and given his tendency toward injury, the fact that he is in another semifinal is a feat in and of itself.
Tsitsipas is having a great 2019 so far. The Greek youngster comes in at a career-high No. 11 in the world and is fresh off a title of his own in Marseille. With youth to his favor, and a body less battered from years on the court, Tsitsipas is probably the favorite to make the final–but Monfils won’t be without his chances.
Cheryl pick: Tsitsipas in 3
Ricky pick: Tsitsipas in 3
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Fed and Monfils, both in 3. Should be good matches. Borna Coric has been expected (by experts) to have a breakout year but so far it has not happened. Federer is supposed to collapse due to old age but so far that hasn’t happened either. 🙂
It’s a joy to see Monfils playing so well and so consistently! Nothing against Tsitsi and I really don’t know who’s gonna win but I’m rooting for Monfils! Yes, he WILL get injured again at some point but hopefully not yet.
Yes! Tsitsipas wins the match and he’ll be the new world no.10!! Well done Tsitsipas!
What a match! I thought Tsitsipas was looking down and out after losing the first set, but…. So happy for him! My new found fave, just after Rafa!
Monfils has already won a 500 event (Rotterdam) this year, so this loss shouldn’t hurt too much.
Congrats to Tsitsipas, reaching another final and reaching TOP ten! He plays well today, his overheads are incredible, he has all the shots and plays with flair. A beautiful player to watch.
And, he’ll be ranked higher (at no.10) than Kyrgios ever had (the highest for Kyrgios is no.13).
Fed in 3; Tpas in 2.
One of the best matches of the year imho , Tsitsipas was brilliant at the net , Monfils brilliant at what he does.