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Rome Semifinal Previews: Nadal vs Tsitsipas; Sakkari vs Pliskova

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Rome Semifinal Previews: Nadal vs Tsitsipas; Sakkari vs Pliskova

Tsitsipas will attempt to join Dominic Thiem as the only player with a one-handed backhand to defeat Nadal in consecutive matches on clay.

ByCale Hammond

Published May 17, 2019

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Rafael Nadal (ATP No. 2, UTR No. 2) vs Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP No. 7, UTR No. 9)

One week ago, 20-year-old Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas shocked the tennis world by handing Rafael Nadal just his 39th career loss on clay in the Madrid semifinals. The King of Clay now has a chance to avenge that defeat and Tsitsipas should be prepared to raise his level another notch if he wants to repeat his success. Since that loss, Nadal has been scorching, losing just six total games in his last three matches while recording a perfect 6-0 set in each match.

Tsitsipas will be well rested after advancing to the semifinals when Roger Federer withdrew on Friday. But Nadal will be fresh as well, as he has spent less than four hours on court despite playing three matches.

Tsitsipas will attempt to join Dominic Thiem as the only player with a one-handed backhand to defeat Nadal in consecutive matches on clay. Only thirteen of the Spaniard's 39 losses on clay have been to a player wielding a one-hander. The math is on Nadal’s side for this matchup.

Don’t expect Nadal to secure another bagel set; Tsitsipas has too many weapons, but a fourth consecutive commanding performance is looming on the horizon for eight-time Rome champion Nadal.

Maria Sakkari (WTA No. 39, UTR No. 65) vs Karolina Pliskova (WTA No. 7, UTR No. 5)

What a year for tennis in Greece. With her win on Friday, Maria Sakkari will jump up to a career-high No. 28 in the rankings if Johanna Konta does not reach the final. Sakkari owns a superb 12-3 record on the clay this season and can rise to even greater heights if she adds another victory Saturday.

The supremely athletic Sakkari will face off against the huge serving Karolina Pliskova, who celebrated her 500th career win with a tough three-set victory over Victoria Azarenka in the quarterfinals.

This matchup presents a wonderful clash of styles. Pliskova will look to use her service advantage to earn free points and play aggressive, first strike tennis. Sakkari also prefers to be the aggressor, but she has the ability to counteract Pliskova’s power with her defense and movement.

Sakkari will need to serve a high percentage in order to win. If she gives Pliskova too many second serves, it will be a long day at the office. Sakkari’s kick-serve is effective against most players, but it shouldn't carry as much weight against the 6' 1'' Czech. In the end, Pliskova’s superior weapons should propel her to victory.