2023 Madrid Open SF: Karatsev vs Struff

[Vamos Carlos Alcaraz]

2023 Madrid Open SF: Karatsev vs Struff - who would have thought this would be a possible semi at a Masters 1000? Who will win it? How many sets?

 

[DSH]

A semifinal for the ages.
The Lion will defeat the Specter in three sets.

 

[sortof]

A qualifyer against a LL as semi-final of an ATP masters. That´s a first for sure - and do we need more prove that this is indeed a weak era?

 

[temnik]

.

 

[Chanwan]

A qualifyer against a LL as semi-final of an ATP masters. That´s a first for sure - and do we need more prove that this is indeed a weak era?

Moreover, Aslan beat Jan in the qualies, 6-4, 6-2

 

[Vamos Carlos Alcaraz]

I predict Struff in 3

 

[Spin Diesel]

Moreover, Aslan beat Jan in the qualies, 6-4, 6-2

I just read that on a youtube-comment and this is really what I can only call a fun fact

 

[Spin Diesel]

I‘d say that both of them are an interesting matchup for Alcaraz - at least, if they have the nerves to bring their A-game to their first Masters final. Not that I expect them to win but the match can get interesting!

 

[Spin Diesel]

Too bad I didn‘t see the previous match between Karatsev and Struff and I can‘t even find any highlights. But 6-4 6-2 sounds rather definite. If this match didn‘t happen, I‘d rather vote for Struff. Now I don‘t quite know. Calves or broad shoulders?

 

[Ray Mercer]

Just glad it’s someone other than Tsitsipas as we know he would have taken another beating from Alcaraz. At least Karatsev is an unknown.

 

[McGradey]

Let’s go steaklegs

 

[Mark Anderson]

A qualifyer against a LL as semi-final of an ATP masters. That´s a first for sure - and do we need more prove that this is indeed a weak era?

Only in thinking.

 

[TennisHound]

Whew tough one. Karatsev has a better backhand return than Tsitsipas. I want Struff, Karatsev in two.

 

[Checkmate]

Unreal hate for this SF.

 

[chuckersthenut]

I don't think karatsev will lose a set in semifinals or finals. This is his week regardless of who is on the other side of the net.

 

[Benf15harp3000]

A qualifyer against a LL as semi-final of an ATP masters. That´s a first for sure - and do we need more prove that this is indeed a weak era?

Nope.

 

[Benf15harp3000]

2 guys with losing career records
1 of which will be served to CA on a platter

 

[aldeayeah]

Moreover, Aslan beat Jan in the qualies, 6-4, 6-2

This is some sports anime stuff. The only way it would be more dramatic would be if they met in the final.

Storyline-wise, Struff should be favored this time.

 

[middleballs]

Really tough one to call. Rooting for Aslan, but it might very well come down to nerves. I don’t think either of them expected to make it this far.

 

[Benf15harp3000]

Really tough one to call. Rooting for Aslan, but it might very well come down to nerves. I don’t think either of them expected to make it this far.

Ya think? Lol

 

[Benf15harp3000]

I’ll give struff credit for one thing: he exploited Stefs horrible court position
Aslan wins and goes on to not win against Carlos

 

[aldeayeah]

I’ll give struff credit for one thing: he exploited Stefs horrible court position
Aslan wins and goes on to not win against Carlos

Aslan does many things that bother Carlos. Returns deep and seizes the initiative early, and he isn't incompetent at the net.

On the other hand, Carlos will have a field day attacking Aslan's lackluster serve. I expect many breaks of serve.

 

[Winners or Errors]

A qualifyer against a LL as semi-final of an ATP masters. That´s a first for sure - and do we need more prove that this is indeed a weak era?

A little unfair. Both of these guys are capable of beating almost anyone when playing well. Both tend to be streaky. We'll see if they crumble this week like everyone else should they have to face Carlitos.

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

Man my hands are sweating already. So nervous I probably won't be able to watch the match. I'll check the re-run then, given the match goes my way.

 

[chuckersthenut]

Man my hands are sweating already. So nervous I probably won't be able to watch the match. I'll check the re-run then, given the match goes my way.

Who are you rooting for

 

[Benf15harp3000]

Man my hands are sweating already. So nervous I probably won't be able to watch the match. I'll check the re-run then, given the match goes my way.

Lol

 

[albertobra]

Who do you think can give a better final vs Carlitos? Struff or Karatsev?

 

[Spin Diesel]

Who do you think can give a better final vs Carlitos? Struff or Karatsev?

I think Karatsev by a small margin. Mainly because he's faster and better at hitting the ball on the run.

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

Struff is serving out of this world.

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

Who are you rooting for

The King on Narnia, of course.

 

[Berasategui94]

Struff is serving out of this world.

But Karatsev has a backhand return, unlike Tsitsipas.

 

[initialize]

C'mon Aslan!

 

[Trip]

G*d d*mn that Auxetic Prestige paint job is gorgeous in full gloss....

 

[abmk]

Karatsev avh fh speed 135
bh 121

 

[chuckersthenut]

So a German vs a Russian Jew. World War II 2 Electric Boogaloo.

 

[alexio]

calves on a roll..5-3

 

[chuckersthenut]

Suffocating play from karatsev.

 

[chuckersthenut]

Hopefully he can keep this up and give Charlie brown a beating too.

 

[Benf15harp3000]

Best thing about this match is both players are using Tournagrip

 

[middleballs]

Aslan takes the first!

 

[chuckersthenut]

Damn watching karatsev makes me want to go out and hit after work.

 

[Notorious_Junkballer]

Struff's only hope at the moment seems to be his serve. Whenever the balls is in play, he is in the ropes. Is he that slow or is the ball just coming so fast st him?

 

[Vamos Carlos Alcaraz]

Hoping for a three set match! Regardless of who wins my Carlos will be ready and waiting!!!!

 

[abmk]

Karatsev takes set1.
great stretch return winner on fh side to start 2nd set.

 

[Hitman]

Hoping for a three set match! Regardless of who wins my Carlos will be ready and waiting!!!!

 

[abmk]

Struff breaks.

 

[legcramp]

The avocado stick looks great on the clay.

 

[Krish0608]

Hoping for a three set match! Regardless of who wins my Carlos will be ready and waiting!!!!

Even Stef's tweets are less cringey.

 

[abmk]

Karatsev serving to stay in set at 2-5.

 

[Spin Diesel]

Are you streams also inconsistent today?