Aix-en-Provence 2023: Andy Murray vs. Harold Mayot Prediction

TennisSection previews the 2023 Aix-en-Provence Challenger semifinal match featuring Andy Murray vs. Harold Mayot on Saturday, May 6, 2023.

Andy Murray vs. Harold Mayot Preview

Fifth seed Andy Murray will face French lucky loser Harold Mayot, seeking to reach the Aix-en-Provence Challenger final. Who will prevail?

Andy Murray earned an excellent win in the quarterfinals beating French young gun Luca Van Assche in straight sets. He withstood a determined effort by the 18-year-old who held set points in the second set tiebreak, but Murray reeled him in to close out a 6-2, 7-6 win. Consequently, he brought an end to Van Assche’s 12-match winning streak.

Harold Mayot has yet to win a Challenger Tour title, but this week is an opportunity as good as any he’ll get in his young career. The former junior No. 1 took his second chance at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger, entering the draw as a lucky loser and pulling some breathtaking wins against the ATP’s most recognizable names including Brandon Nakashima and Alexander Bublik.

Andy Murray vs. Harold Mayot Prediction and Pick

Andy Murray and Harold Mayot have not played each other at any level, with this semifinal match at the Aix-en-Provence Challenger being their first meeting. Mayot was a wondrous talent in the junior tournaments, having already been ranked No. 1 in that circuit. But he’s not been able to translate that success on the senior at a faster rate. He’s got a great read of the game, and some quality point construction, but his game can fall all over the place when one or two points go against him. So far, it has been a positive week for him, having made the most of his second opportunity as a lucky loser. But Murray appears to have shaken off his rust-related issues on clay this week, and should be on his way to the final here.