The 2019 Auckland Open has been marked by retirements and upsets. Even with fan favorite David Ferrer and top seed John Isner out of the competition, the quarterfinals promise to be enthralling displays of high quality tennis.
ATP Auckland Day 4 Predictions
Leonardo Mayer vs Tennys Sandgren
Tennys Sandgren will have a hard time equaling his quarterfinal run from last year’s Australian Open, but he has already secured himself a spot in the quarterfinals of the Auckland Open. Leonardo Mayer is the more complete player overall – more consistent results for a longer period of time, better shotmaking ability off both wings – but has not been as convincing in his early matches as Sandgren has. Sandgren lacks an ability to redline his game that should allow Mayer to consistently find ways to poke holes in his defenses.
Prediction: Mayer in 2
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Philipp Kohlschreiber vs Fabio Fognini
The highest seed left in the competition, Fabio Fognini, meets the former champion in what could be a thrilling match. Both Fognini and Kohlschreiber possess incredible shotmaking abilities. Fognini has a bigger game, but Kohlschreiber’s deceptively efficient and effective serve, tactical skill, and calmer mentality should see him through to victory over the Italian. Kohlschreiber’s history of strong results in Auckland will also help him feel confident and settled ahead of his toughest challenge yet at the 2019 Auckland Open.
Prediction: Kohlschreiber in 3
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Taylor Fritz vs Cameron Norrie
Two young players enjoying early success in 2019 come up against each other. Norrie has backed up the form he showed at the Hopman Cup with strong results in Auckland. His forehand has been particularly impressive in his early matches and he will try to impose it on Fritz every chance he can. Fritz, however, just scored the biggest win of his career and possesses a serve that can keep him out of trouble. His victory over John Isner in two tight tie-break sets demonstrated not only his shotmaking skills, but also his budding mental toughness.
Prediction: Fritz in 3
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Pablo Carreno Busta vs Jan-Lennard Struff
This match is between the two men who defeated the sentimental favorites. Pablo Carreno Busta won through over David Ferrer, who was forced to retire early in their match and Jan-Lennard Struff ended the run of New Zealander Rubin “Jose” Statham. The matchup between these two will be a contrast in styles. Struff prefers raw aggression on court: big serve, walloping forehand, and a quick finish at the net. Carreno Busta, a natural grinder, likes to construct points and has had strong results on slower surfaces. Struff’s best hope is to serve his way into tiebreaks and impose his game on the Spaniard. Carreno Busta, however, is a skilled returner and the faster, more agile player.
Prediction: Carreno Busta in 2
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