PREVIEW: 2024 ATP Tour – Winston-Salem Open – Selected semi-final matches

Lorenzo Sonego 21/20 | David Goffin 73/100

I have been a bit surprised by Lorenzo Sonego’s regression in recent years. The 29-year-old Italian reached the Monte-Carlo semis back in 2021 (the same year in which he reached the 4th round at Wimbledon).

His powerful serve and big forehand- coupled with excellent lateral movement- made him a dangerous opponent on all surfaces. He reached the biggest final of his career on a hardcourt (going down to Andrey Rublev in the 2020 Vienna Open championship match).

But consistency has eluded him of late, with his last title coming at the 2022 Moselle Open. This has been yet another underwhelming campaign for the Italian: he has only two tour-level quarterfinals to his name.

But his seems to have found something extra in North Carolina this week, perhaps inspired by the recent performances by some of his compatriots. Sure, he benefitted from a Shang walkover in the round of 16.

But he has won both of his completed matches in straight sets, dismantling a plucky Pavel Kotov 6-3, 7-5 in their quarterfinal clash. Sonego was at his best against Kotov, hitting 25 winners to just nine unforced errors. He seems to be serving well and has that venomous forehand in fine working order.

David Goffin. It’s been a hot minute since I thought about that name. The 33-year-old Belgian was one of the best returners in the world in his prime, with a compact double-handed backhand and excellent court coverage.

The six-time ATP champion reached four Grand Slam quarterfinals but never possessed that one weapon that could dominate opponents. He reached the 2022 Wimbledon quarterfinal and won his 6th title in the same season, briefly vaulting back into the top 40 in the world rankings.

But he nosedived out of the top 100 last season. This year hasn’t been much different. He won the Ilkay Challenger event on the eve of Wimbledon but he was still eliminated in the first round at SW19.

But he did beat Shapovalov in Atlanta a month ago and he has gone from strength to strength on these Winston-Salem courts. He battled past Munar in his opener but he followed that up with a solid straight-sets win over 5th seed Darderi.

And he just blitzed Hijikata 6-1, 6-3, using his trademark tenacity to break the Aussie four times.

The Verdict: Sonego to win in straight sets 49/20

These two share the head-to-head spoils at one win apiece, with Sonego taking down Goffin in a tight encounter during Monte Carlo qualifying earlier this year.

I think that Sonego’s raw power will give him the edge over the industrious Goffin. Sonego served six aces against Kotov and that delivery could mitigate Goffin’s returning capabilities.