Friday tennis acca tips: Adelaide and Auckland semi-final picks

The Australian Open is nearly upon us, but we still have to crown more new champions in 2024.

Tournaments in Adelaide, Auckland and Hobart wrap up this weekend ahead of the Grand Slam getting underway on Sunday.

Here we take a look at the events in Adelaide and Auckland and make our picks for who will reach the final.

 

ATP Adelaide: Sebastian Korda vs Jiri Lehecka | Pick: Korda

ATP Adelaide: Jack Draper vs Alexander Bublik | Pick: Bublik

ATP Auckland: Ben Shelton vs Taro Daniel | Pick: Shelton

ATP Auckland: Arthur Fils vs Alejandro Tabilo | Pick: Fils

WTA Adelaide: Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Jelena Ostapenko | Pick: Ostapenko

WTA Adelaide: Daria Kasatkina vs Jessica Pegula | Pick: Pegula

 

ATP Adelaide: Sebastian Korda vs Jiri Lehecka

Just three rankings places separate Sebastian Korda and his Czech opponent, Jiri Lehecka.

While Korda was born in America his father represented the Czech Republic adding a layer of intrigue to this first clash between these players.

Lehecka is the current Czech men's No 1 and shouldn't be written off in this encounter.

However, Korda should be out to prove that he can win these types of clashes and push for a top ten place.

 

ATP Adelaide: Jack Draper vs Alexander Bublik

Jack Draper and Alexander Bublik have both been firing in Adelaide, making this a tough match to pick.

Bublik probably just edges things on power, but if Draper can be more accurate, he will have a good chance.

Draper needs to scrap for all he is worth and try to frustrate the combustible Kazakhstan No 1.

These players are 1-1 over their careers, but it was Draper who won their only main draw meeting, leaving Bublik out for revenge.

 

ATP Auckland: Ben Shelton vs Taro Daniel

Ben Shelton may have beaten Taro Daniel both times they have met, but both matches have gone the distance, seeing these two contest eight sets across their two matches.

Shelton won't mind how he wins as long as he remains on course for a title to kick off his season in style.

The American is also making a push towards breaking into the top 10 as the world No 16.

Shelton has all the motivation to get the result here, which could propel him to Australian Open greatness.

 

ATP Auckland: Arthur Fils vs Alejandro Tabilo

Arthur Fils is another player tipped for huge things in 2024 and someone on the charge regarding rankings as well.

Alejandro Tabilo would also love to bag the rankings points from a run to the final.

However, Fils is the man who will be expected to take charge of this match and power into the final.

These players have never met before in singles competition.

 

WTA Adelaide: Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Jelena Ostapenko

Jelena Ostapenko and Ekaterina Alexandrova will play each other in the semi-final of the Adelaide International in a match that will be their 9th career clash.

The last time they met, Ostapenko won 7-6(3) 6-7(6) 7-5 in the first round in San Diego in 2023.

Ostapenko reached the semi-finals after defeating Sorana Cirstea, Caroline Garcia, and Marta Kostyuk in an impressive run.

Equally, Alexandrova has made a statement with her wins over Magda Linette, Veronika Kudermetova and Elena Rybakina.

 

WTA Adelaide: Daria Kasatkina vs Jessica Pegula

Daria Kasatkina and Jessica Pegula are set for their third career meeting in the last four in Adelaide.

Pegula has won both of their previous clashes, with the American claiming a 6-1 6-0 win over Kasatkina in the quarters in Tokyo back in September 2023.

In the quarter against Pavlyuchenkova, Pegula recovered from a set down to show her resilience.

Pegula also has the attacking game to pick apart Kasatkina and claim her place in the final.