One of the main interests at the Geneva ATP event at the moment is if course the form and developments of World no 1 Novak Djokovic. In this last preparation for the French Open, Novak had 2 solid wins so far and is looking to continue this run against a tough opponent in Tomas Machac.
In the other semi-final we find clay expert Casper Ruud taking on Italian Flavio Cobolli in their first ever meeting.
Djokovic vs Machac
Djokovic obviously had a plan in mind when he took a late wild card to join the Geneva event and it might be a good preparation following an early exit in Rome.
So far all is according to plan with two straight-set wins over Yannick Hanfmann and Tallon Griekspoor that should boost his confidence, even though he had to save set points against Griekspoor.
Tomas Machac is an extremely talented, young player and we can see him getting a title already this year.
The 23-year-old Czech player had a great season so far and he will probably feel he does not have much to lose in this match and we might see an aggressive play from him. He got here by beating three solid players in Jack Draper, Nicolas Moreno De Alboran and Alex Michelsen, but not without some issues along the way.
Prediction: Novak to win and progress to the final. Machac will try to disturb Novak here and will rely for some part on his great backhand, but I think it’s too much of an ask for him to beat the no 1 on clay at this moment. Maybe it would have been another story on hardcourt.
Cobolli vs Ruud
Casper Ruud, the world no 6, is obviously just warming here in Geneva for bigger things in France shortly. The 2024 French Open feels like a very important tournament in his career.
So far in Geneva, the Norwegian has not shown his best game and needed three sets in both games against Sebastian Baez and Sebastian Ofner.
Today against Flavio Cobolli it won’t be easy. The 22-year-old Italian has been looking sharp in the previous games and took out Ben Shelton in a classy way in the round of 16.
Prediction and Odds
I think Cobolli will give Ruud a proper challenge and will go for him to cover the hcp at +4.5.
- Cobolli, Flavio +4.5 – Game Handicap at odds 1.84 | -120
