Sofia Open Semifinal Preview and Prediction: Adrian Mannarino vs Jannik Sinner

Fifth seed Adrian Mannarino squares off against Next-Gen sensation, Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the Sofia Open. 

Key Insights

• Mannarino is meeting Sinner for the first time ever on the ATP tour.
• Sinner is aiming to win his first ATP title.
• Mannarino has won eight of his last 10 matches on the tour.
• Mannarino has reached 10 ATP finals in his career and is very comfortable playing on hard courts.
• Sinner is playing his second semifinal of the year.
• Sinner has won 14 matches and lost seven since the tour resumed in August.
• Sinner has an 11-6 win-loss record on indoor courts this season.
• Sinner is playing for the first time in Sofia.
• Mannarino has been playing in Sofia since 2016 and his best showing was a quarterfinal finish in 2016.

Chasing his maiden ATP final, Sinner has made giant strides in his progress after competing mostly on the challenger circuit last year. Mannarino has played well on indoor hard courts after a string of disappointing results in the first half of the year. He is blessed with clean ball-striking ability, he keeps the ball too low and mixes it up with different spins and angles. 

With the balls used in the tournament being heavy and of low bounce, Mannarino's powerful on-the-rise backhand will serve him well. His flat groundstrokes and solid front-court skills will assist him as the match will be played under a closed roof. 

Sinner needs to use his explosive groundstrokes and hard-hitting ability to outwit the counter-puncher in Mannarino. He got the better of the highly-talented Alex De Minaur in the quarterfinals in a tough three-setter after losing the first set. 

On the other hand, the Frenchman outlasted Radu Albot in three sets to book his spot in the final four. 

“Adrian is a tough player, a lefty who is serving and moving well in long rallies, it is going to be a physical match, have to talk to my coach about how I am going to play, and try to be prepared," said Sinner praising Mannarino after his tough win against De Minaur. 

“I feel like when I’m healthy and I can play like a hundred per cent without thinking about any injury, I feel good on the court, I think I’m playing well," said Mannarino after defeating Albot. 

The match would involve a lot of quick points and early finishes at the net by both the players with not many breaks of serve expected. While Sinner has an edge in form, Mannarino is well experienced in big matches and would give a tough fight till the end. 

Prediction - Jannik Sinner to win in three sets 

Featured Image Credits - Getty Images