Just eight men remain in contention for the Winston-Salem Open title after four thrilling days of tennis. And with the US Open now looming large on the horizon, every play left in the draw will surely be eager to keep their momentum going ahead of the final Major of the year. But who will reach the semifinals in North Carolina?
Winston-Salem Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Benoit Paire vs Pablo Carreno Busta
Head-to-head: Paire 8-4 Carreno Busta
In the 13th meeting of a head-to-head Benoit Paire has very much had the better of, the Frenchman will face Pablo Carreno Busta of Spain for a place in the last four. Paire has looked sharp so far in Winston-Salem, beating Prajnesh Gunneswaran in straight-sets before edging past his countryman Ugo Humbert 3-6 7-6 6-3. Carreno Busta, who reached the third round as a qualifier in Cincinnati, has beaten Marius Copil in three and Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 6-0.
This match looks set to provide an entertaining contrast between the aggressive hitting of Paire, particularly off the backhand-side, and the excellent defensive skills of Carreno Busta. The Spaniard may not have the same easy power as some players on tour, but at his best he gives very little away and can spread the court well. But he has consistently struggled to deal with Paire and has not beaten him on a hard court since the 2014 US Open. Expect Paire to deny Carreno Busta once again.
Prediction: Paire in 3
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Steve Johnson vs John Millman
Head-to-head: Johnson 3-1 Milliman
Neither Steve Johnson nor John Millman have had particularly good years by their high standards, but both men have looked impressive at times this week. Johnson has scored three excellent wins, beating Corentin Moutet, Dan Evans and Casper Ruud, all without dropping a set. Millman, who enjoyed a first-round bye, has had to work slightly harder, but rallied from a set down to beat Marco Cecchinato before besting Robin Haase 6-3 6-4. But Johnson has looked inspired all week in Winston-Salem and has game is that much better suited to the conditions in North Carolina. Expect him to take full advantage.
Prediction: Johnson in 2
Frances Tiafoe vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Tiafoe 2-0 Hurkacz
Both Frances Tiafoe and Hubert Hurkacz benefitted from retirements in the third round. Filip Krajinovic retired against the American having lost the first set 2-6 whilst Feliciano Lopez withdrew trailing 3-6 1-3 against the Pole. This should be an entertaining match between two players who are well-capable of playing on the front foot. Tiafoe, one of just two Americans left in the draw, should have the fulsome backing of the crowd. But Hurkacz is the more versatile of the two. The 22-year-old can hurt opponents off both wings and also possesses an excellent serve. That should see him over the line against Tiafoe.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
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Denis Shapovalov vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Shapovalov 1-1 Rublev
It has been a confidence-building week for Denis Shapovalov, one the Canadian desperately needed after a difficult period on the clay and grass in Europe. At the Winston-Salem Open, he began his campaign with a comfortable 6-2 6-4 victory over Tennys Sandgren before dispatching Miomir Kecmanovic 6-2 6-3. But he will need to be at his very best up against the in-form Andrey Rublev, who reached the quarterfinals in Cincinnati last week.
Unseeded in North Carolina, he began his tournament with a 6-4 6-2 win over Thomas Fabbiano before battling past Albert Ramos Vinolas 6-7 6-3 6-1. He then edged past Sam Querrey in two tiebreaks to reach the quarterfinals. Winners and unforced errors will likely be plentiful in this one, with both men at their best when playing on the front foot. But Shapovalov can struggle to deal with pace into his backhand and Rublev should be able to take advantage.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
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