Mercedes Cup 2016: Federer vs. Thiem Semifinal Prediction

Two Top 10 Players Warrant Their Own Prediction

Semifinal Prediction:

[1] Roger Federer (SUI) vs. [3] Dominic Thiem (AUT) H2H

Unlike some head-to-head statistics, Federer vs. Thiem’s matches are quite current.  Both meetings have occurred in 2016.  Federer won in straight sets on plexicushion in Brisbane. Thiem won in straight sets on clay in Rome.  With this match taking place on grass, I am not sure how much this recent data actually tells us.  Thiem likes to dictate play and takes full swings at the ball.  I think Federer can use the lower bounces on grass to his advantage.  Roger knows grass better than anyone on tour with 7 Wimbledon title, 3 Wimbledon runner-up finishes, 8 Halle titles, 2 Halle runner-up finishes, and a silver medal on grass.  Federer has played 21 tournament finals on grass winning 15 of those events.  I think Federer’s surface knowledge will help him to navigate the rising Thiem.

Having said all of that Thiem is capable of winning.  If Thiem manages his service games well, I expect a close match that could go either way.

My Prediction: Roger Federer d. Dominic Thiem 6-4, 7-6 (4)

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2 Comments Add yours

  1. Andrey Kuznetsov will meet R. Harrison in today’s game played in Roger Cup 2016 tournament. In their last H2H meeting played at Australian Open, Kuznetsov won the match with 3:0. I wonder if Harrison prepared us with a surprise today. Based on the past results of the two players, I would expect Kuznetsov to perform well during this game and go for a victory. It should be interesting to see if Kuznetsov will win by 3 sets difference as his last head to head meeting.

    1. Dan Martin says:

      Great input and insights

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