The field has been whittled down to eight at the ATP’s Adelaide International after an exciting start to the week at this Australian Open warm-up event. And with the year’s first Major now looming large on the horizon, the remaining players will surely be desperate to ensure they maintain their momentum. But who will reach the semifinals in South Australia?
Adelaide International Quarterfinal Predictions
Pablo Carreno Busta vs Lloyd Harris
Head-to-head: first meeting
The 22-year-old South African Lloyd Harris will be looking to reach his second tour-level semifinal when he takes on the Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta. After a solid week at the ATP Cup, Harris has played some superb tennis to come through the qualifying in Adelaide and then pick up impressive wins over Cristian Garin and Laslo Djere. Carreno Busta, meanwhile, only featured in the doubles at the ATP Cup, but he has looked in good touch back on the singles court in Adelaide.
After a first-round bye, he opened his campaign with a solid win over Jeremy Chardy and will need to try and contain another big-hitter in Harris. The South African has real power off the ground, though he can struggle with accuracy, but it is his serve that has been crucial to his success so far in Adelaide. He has fired down 34 aces already and won 88 out of 101 points behind his first serve against Garin and Djere. If he can maintain that level, expect him to punch enough holes in Carreno Busta’s defence to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Harris in 3
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Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Alex Bolt
Head-to-head: first meeting
After a thrilling run to the third round at the Australian Open last season, Alex Bolt has continued to surprise on home soil in 2020. He had looked rather flat in edging out the veteran Stephane Robert in the first round, which suggested he would struggle against the in-form Jan-Lennard Struff. Instead, Bolt dispatched the seventh seed with relative ease, winning 6-3 6-4, to set up a quarterfinal clash with Canadian second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The teenaged Auger-Aliassime endured a torrid week at the ATP Cup, with Canada reaching the quarterfinals in spite, rather than because, of his efforts. That said, he did somewhat improve in beating the journeyman James Duckworth in straight-sets. However, Bolt clearly enjoys playing in front of his home crowd in Australia and the man from Murray Bridge’s talent should not be overlooked. Having pulled off one big upset already this week, don’t be surprised if he manages another.
Prediction: Bolt in 3
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Tommy Paul vs Albert Ramos Vinolas
Head-to-head: first meeting
There have been plenty of great performances in Adelaide this week, but no one has been as impressive as Tommy Paul. The American qualified for the event in fine style, and he has continued to excel in the main draw. In the first round, he got the better of Aljaz Bedene, 6-4 6-4, before dismantling the out of form Pablo Cuevas for the loss of only three games. So far, he has dropped serve just once in the main draw at the Adelaide International.
Albert Ramos Vinolas, meanwhile, was with the Spanish team at the ATP Cup, but did not play. However, he should be more than match sharp after taxing wins over Jordan Thompson and Jaume Munar in Adelaide. That said, Paul must surely be accounted the favourite coming into this match. Ramos Vinolas is more comfortable on the European clay than the quick hard courts of Australia and Paul should be able to dictate proceedings with his serve and forehand.
Prediction: Paul in 2
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Dan Evans vs Andrey Rublev
Head-to-head: Evans 1-1 Rublev
Two of the standout performers of 2020 so far will meet when Dan Evans and Andrey Rublev clash for a place in the Adelaide International semifinals. At the ATP Cup, Evans proved too strong for David Goffin, Radu Albot and Alex de Minaur, and he has maintained that impressive form in Adelaide, beating Juan Ignacio Londero and Alexander Bublik in straight-sets. Rublev, meanwhile, won his third ATP title in Doha last week and reached the quarterfinals after a routine win over Sam Querrey.
This match should provide an engaging contrast of styles. Rublev looks to dominate from the baseline with his forehand, whilst Evans, who cannot match the Russian’s power, will look to his court-craft and guile to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm. His backhand slice is one of the best in the game and there are few more accomplished in the forecourt. But Rublev is in excellent form and he picks up slice well off his forehand. Expect him to extend his winning run, but only after a battle.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
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