The 2025 Citi Open in Washington, D.C., reaches its semifinals on Saturday, July 26, with two thrilling clashes at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center. No. 4 seed Ben Shelton faces No. 12 seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, while No. 7 seed Alex de Minaur takes on lucky loser Corentin Moutet.
These hard-court battles promise high-energy tennis. Here’s a quick look at the form, some predictions, head-to-heads and what to expect from tonight’s semifinals.
Ben Shelton vs. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina
Player Form
Ben Shelton (World No. 8) is in top form, not dropping a set in Washington. He beat Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-4, Gabriel Diallo 6-3, 6-2, and Frances Tiafoe 7-6(2), 6-4, firing 9 aces against Tiafoe and winning 90% of first-serve points. With a 26-15 record in 2025, including a Munich final, Shelton’s big serve and aggressive play suit the fast D.C. courts. Shelton is in great form at the moment and looking for the title here in the capital.
Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (World No. 26) has battled through, upsetting No. 1 seed Taylor Fritz 7-6(3), 3-6, 7-5 in a 3-hour, 4-minute quarterfinal that ended at 1:45 a.m. He also defeated Jaume Munar and Learner Tien in straight sets. His 20-18 season record includes a Delray Beach final, and his 11th career top-10 win against Fritz shows his clutch ability.
Head-to-Head
Davidovich Fokina leads 2-0, winning at the 2023 Paris Masters (6-4, 4-6, 7-6(5)) and 2025 Monte-Carlo (6-3, 6-7(4), 6-4), both three-setters. This is their first hard-court meeting since 2023.
Predictions
Shelton’s massive serve and forehand should thrive on D.C.’s quick courts, but Davidovich Fokina’s scrambling and 62% break-point conversion rate could frustrate him. Fatigue from the Spaniard’s late-night Fritz match may be a factor, against a home player with much less playing time so far.
Prediction: Shelton wins in two sets.
Alex de Minaur vs. Corentin Moutet
Player Form
Alex de Minaur (World No. 13) is riding a 20-8 hard-court record in 2025, including a Rotterdam final. In Washington, he beat Bu Yunchaokete, Jiri Lehecka and No. 14 seed Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 6-4 in 1 hour, 25 minutes, winning 76% of first-serve points. His speed and consistency make him a tough out.
Corentin Moutet (World No. 59) is the tournament’s surprise, entering as a lucky loser after Holger Rune’s withdrawal. He crushed Alexandre Muller 6-0, 6-1, Daniel Evans 6-2, 7-6(4), and upset No. 8 seed Daniil Medvedev 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, despite cramps. His 19-13 record and flair have him set to crack the top 50.
Head-to-Head
De Minaur leads 1-0, winning 6-1, 6-3 at the 2016 Mouilleron Le Captif Challenger, a low-level match with little bearing on this clash.
Predictions
De Minaur’s baseline control and improved break-point save rate should test Moutet’s unpredictable style, but the Frenchman’s 70% first-serve win rate and crafty play could spark rallies. His recent upsets make him quite the underdog here. Moutet’s fatigue from his Medvedev marathon might be a factor but we’ll go with the Frenchman to take one set here.
Prediction: De Minaur wins in three sets.
Betting Odds
Shelton vs. Davidovich Fokina
- Moneyline: Shelton -250 (1.40) | Davidovich Fokina +187.5 (2.88)
- Game Spread: Shelton -3.5 (-137.5/1.75) | Davidovich Fokina +3.5 (-100/2.00)
- Total Games: Over 22.5 (-130/1.77) | Under 22.5 (-100/1.98)
De Minaur vs. Moutet
- Moneyline: De Minaur -450 (1.22) | Moutet +320 (4.20)
- Game Spread: De Minaur -4.5 (-128/1.78) | Moutet +4.5 (-103/1.97)
- Total Games: Over 21.5 (-103/1.96) | Under 21.5 (-127/1.79)
