Dominant Performances

These guys just steamrolled their opponents in their quarterfinals...

Yep, that's what just happened. Korda played an almost flawless match (9.14 performance rating, that's Sinner level). We always know he has exceptional talent and ability, and his opponent on the other side did his part to make him look extra good today. Sure, it's hard to do something against a "redlining" Korda, but Kecmanovic also has the energy of a sloth on its day off. As soon as the match started and Korda started to hit some good winners, his head was down, and half the match was spent watching Korda's winners fly by. As for Musetti, he was fortunate enough with a way easier match against a Muller who was simply just too tired, in a matchup that is already very tricky for him. And when he is tired, he has almost no way to actually win points, since he can't really find a way past Lorenzo. So, we acknowledge good performances from both our semifinalists, just keep in mind they were under very favourable circumstances. I really don't like this matchup for Musetti; we already saw him struggle a lot against Wawrinka (another Attacking Baseliner). Korda's game is really dangerous in these conditions, especially if he is facing an opponent who allows him time to dictate (ehm... like Kecmanovic). Musetti is surely a greater challenge than Kecmanovic; he is a way better player, but he is not someone who plays at a high tempo and rushes his opponent. What I do like about Musetti is that at least he will mix his shots up a lot more and not feed Korda the same predictable rhythm that Kecmanovic did. He also has a better serve and one of the better forehands on the tour... and yes, he is a much better defender. Korda is someone who is not a stranger to dropping a 9/10 performance and then the next day following it up with a 6/10 performance; that's something we always have to keep in mind. Musetti tends to be a lot more solid with a higher floor, which will lead to more consistent 8/10 performances. I don't want to rely too heavily on H2H, especially since it's quite a few years old... but Korda has straight sets wins in both the indoor hardcourt matches in Metz and Next Gen Finals, while Musetti won on clay in Lyon and Madrid. In other words, if Korda is having a good day in these conditions, this becomes a very challenging match for Musetti...