Alcaraz and Medvedev meet for the second time this year and the tenth time in their careers in the Vienna semifinals. Alcaraz leads the H2H 6-3, and all five of their best-of-three matches have been decided in straight sets.
Medvedev didn't break much of a sweat on Friday, taking out Mannarino 6-2, 6-3. He now holds a 16-3 career record at this event and won the title in 2022. Meddy also won this year's meeting against the Spaniard at Indian Wells in straight sets. Alcaraz had won four consecutive meetings before Indian Wells.
Carlitos played his best match in Friday's win over Tommy Paul, saving all five break points he faced. His variety has caused Medvedev problems in years past. The Russian's deep return position opens the court for the best drop shot in the world and the serve-plus-one forehand, and Alcaraz has won four of the last five meetings playing that way. He has yet to drop a set this week and is 6-1 in two Vienna appearances, his only loss the 2021 semis against Zverev.
Both former world No. 1s are in great form, and another tiebreak set is likely in play. Alcaraz should still take at least one set by a break. I like the best player in men's tennis on the short game spread.
Alcaraz vs Medvedev prediction: Alcaraz -1.5 games (-153) available at time of publishing.
