Lorenzo Sonego (3) meets Max Purcell (LL) in the semi finals of the 2021 Eastbourne Open on Friday, June 25th 2021.
Who will make their way to the Final and give themselves a strong shot at the title before going to Wimbledon next week? Will it be the in form Italian or the lucky loser who has really made the most of his position in the draw by causing many upsets?
Max Purcell was able to beat the experienced Andreas Seppi in the quarter finals, causing yet another upset by winning in three tight sets 6-4/1-6/6-4. Max Purcell was not even supposed to be in the tournament, but a withdrawal had given him a spot. He has now beaten 3 opponents which people thought he would lose to, including Monfils. Purcell will want to continue this amazing run here in Eastbourne as he has nothing to lose, but now that we are into the business end of the tournament, I am sure that the pressure might get to him.
Lorenzo Sonego put on a solid performance in his match against the always unexpected Alexander Bublik who really did not play his part, but seemed like he wanted to get off the court quite fast. Lorenzo Sonego was not getting involved with any of the foolish tactics that Bublik was using, such as his 8 underarm serves throughout the match, but he focused on holding his serve so he was free to swing at Bublik’s serve and then get the momentum in both the first and the second set. At the end of the day, this was the difference.
This is going to be the 1st meeting between both players, and although Purcell will be confident in himself knowing he has outperformed everyone he met this week, but I don’t expect him to do that now. Lorenzo Sonego has experience in smaller tournaments in the business end of it, whilst Purcell is new to this and I believe the pressure will get to him. Sonego will get himself 1 step forward as he looks to get his second title of the year here in Eastbourne.