After another day of exciting action, Day four of the ATP Sydney International promises to feature exciting quarterfinal matches. Here are my predictions for the quarterfinals.
Diego Schwartzman vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Diego Schwartzman has to be considered as one of the most underrated players on tour. Despite his small size, at 170cm tall, the Argentinian packs a lot of firepower, especially on the forehand side. At last years Australian Open he took Rafael Nadal to four sets in what was close to a four hour encounter. Nishioka has been making a steady progression up the rankings and is currently ranked #75 in the world. This is the first encounter between the two and the match promises to contain many long rallies, but I expect the Argentine to pull through in straight sets.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 3
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Alex de Minaur vs Jordan Thompson
The crowd on Ken Rosewall Arena are promised to be treated to a quality showcase of tennis between two of Australia’s most exciting young prospects. De Minaur, much like Stefanos Tsitsipas, set the tennis world alight in 2018 by making the final of this event and recording strong results at Wimbledon, Washington, and the ATP NextGen Finals in Milan. Jordan Thompson has been unlucky with injury in his short career so far, but the young Aussie has already proven his quality, with a win over Andy Murray at Queens club in 2017. They played last week in Brisbane with De Minaur recording a straight sets win. This match promises to showcase the firepower of both players, but I predict De Minaur to get the win in two tight sets.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
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Gilles Simon vs John Millman
The fourth quarterfinal features in-form John Millman and experienced professional Gilles Simon. Both players have similar styles, in the fact that they both enjoy rallying from the baseline and they both move well. This is the first meeting between the pair, and with onlyseven spots between them in the rankings, this promises to be an exciting three set match. Due to his current impressive run of form, I predict the Aussie to win in three tight sets.
Prediction: Millman in 3
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Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Andreas Seppi
The first match of the day on Ken Rosewall arena promises a close encounter between one of the most experienced professionals on tour and one of the up and coming stars of the game. Seppi has enjoyed a strong week, having recorded impressive victories against Jeremy Chardy and Martin Klizan. The Italian has strong hard court game, with a big serve and an ability to grind out point in long rallies. However, Tsitsipas has bigger weapons. His serve- and-forehand combination is lethal and with his power, he has the ability to hit players off the court. There will be plenty of big serving on display, and I expect the Greek to record a straight sets victory.
Prediction: Tsitsipas in 2
