Quarterfinal day here at the Eastbourne International brings some exciting matches for tennis fans. Some marquee matches will be top British players Kyle Edmund and Dan Evans are playing each other for a place in the semifinals, and some young players such as Taylor Fritz playing against Hubert Hurkacz.
ATP Eastbourne Quarterfinal Predictions
Gilles Simon vs Thomas Fabbiano
Head-to-head: First meeting
The veteran Gilles Simon breezed past Nicolas Jarry in straight sets in his third round match. The Frenchman looked focused throughout the match and did not give any big chances for Jarry to win.
Thomas Fabbiano had to come through qualifiers to reach this stage, therefore has had a lot of match play here at Eastbourne. But the experienced Frenchman has been playing sharp all week, and last week at Queen’s. He should move to the semifinals without much trouble.
Prediction: Simon in 2
Kyle Edmund vs Dan Evans
Head-to-head: Edmund leads 2-0 (including one challenger match)
Evans has been playing good tennis on the grass all season, and not just this week in Eastbourne. He is currently on a 12-1 win-loss record on this surface this year and will be looking to improve it when he faces his compatriot tomorrow.
Edmund has not had a stellar year at all, and there is a possibility that he gets upset tomorrow. But, he did play well against Cameron Norrie as he won in straight sets and saved all three break points in the match. It could be a close match, but given Edmund’s head-to-head record against Evans, he should win this match.
Prediction: Edmund in 3
Sam Querrey vs Fernando Verdasco
Head-to-head: Querrey leads 4-1
Querrey has yet to drop a set all tournament and has been playing well. Verdasco, on the other hand, struggled to beat Londero who was playing his first ever professional match on grass and before today, was yet to win a match on grass all year.
Given the two contrasting forms that these players are in, the American should beat Verdasco. Another factor that is considered is the rather lopsided head-to-head record in Querrey’s favour, even though this is their first meeting on grass. Also, Querrey, who is a former Wimbledon semifinalist, enjoys playing on this surface and should use this advantage to guide him to victory.
Prediction: Querrey in 2
Taylor Fritz vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: First meeting
This will be a fascinating matchup as this will be the first encounter of many for these two young players. Fritz will be looking to take control of the match by using his serve and giving the Pole no rhythm. However, Hurkacz will be trying to use his forehand to dictate points and hopefully create chances.
It will be a close encounter as both players have been playing well. Fritz, 21, who is the younger player out of the two has more experience in these matches. But Hurkacz is yet to drop a set all tournament and playing with a high level of self-belief, this could get him over the finish line here at Eastbourne.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Main Photo from Getty
