![Gael Monfils in action ahead of the ATP Stockholm Open.](https://lastwordonsports.com/tennis/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2023/10/USATSI_21316235_168400550_lowres-1024x682.jpg)
Aug 31, 2023; Flushing, NY, USA; Gael Monfils of France serves against Andrey Rublev (not pictured) on day four of the 2023 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Get ready for the exhilarating semifinals of the 2023 ATP Stockholm Cup. Gael Monfils’s quest for his first final in nearly two years has been the talk of the tournament. Also vying for a spot in the championship match is Pavel Kotov, who is aiming for his first-ever ATP Tour final appearance. The final four is completed by Laslo Djere and Miomir Kecmanovic. Who will emerge as the victor in these thrilling matches?
Predictions for the ATP Stockholm Semifinals
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Pavel Kotov
Head-to-head: Kecmanovic 1-0 Kotov
Kecmanovic has made an impressive run to the semifinals, defeating two Swedish wildcards and securing a significant victory against world #6 Holger Rune. Although he has reached two ATP Tour finals this year, he has yet to claim a title in 2023. This week has been crucial for him, especially after his unfortunate retirement in Shanghai due to illness. He holds a slight advantage in this match, having recently beaten Kotov in Beijing. Additionally, this matchup will test Kotov’s fitness.
Prediction: Kecmanovic in 3
Gael Monfils vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: first meeting
Monfils has regained his form during the North American hard court swing, and his performance in Stockholm has been a testament to that. He is determined to make his first final in 21 months since Adelaide 2022. In the quarterfinals, Monfils showcased his skills with a high-quality win against compatriot Adrian Mannarino.
In contrast, Djere faced a tough challenge against Tomas Machac in the quarterfinals, narrowly avoiding defeat as he broke the Czech while serving for the match. This is only Djere’s second ATP Tour semifinal on hard courts (the first being in 2022 at Winston-Salem). The encounter between these two players promises excitement, but Monfils’s dominant performance thus far gives him the upper hand. Djere might also be feeling the effects of his grueling three-hour match against Machac the day before.
Prediction: Monfils in 3
Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.