With just eight men left in the draw at the 2020 Auckland Open, the next three days should provide plenty of excitement as the tournament heads towards its conclusion. But who will book their place in the last four in New Zealand?
Auckland Open Quarterfinals Predictions
Feliciano Lopez vs Hubert Hurkacz
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 1-0 Lopez
Feliciano Lopez was magnificent on day three in Auckland. The veteran Spaniard had to play twice after rain hit on day two, but despite going the distance in both matches, he survived the challenges of his compatriot Pablo Andujar and top seed Fabio Fognini to reach the last eight. But he will need to be at his very best up against the in-form Hubert Hurkacz, who was superb in his win over Mikael Ymer. Hurkacz will need to adapt to the serve-and-volley style of Lopez, but playing twice in one day will surely have taken a lot out of the 38-year-old’s legs. With Hurkacz looking so assured on court, expect him to capitalise, though he may not have things all his own way.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Embed from Getty Images
Denis Shapovalov vs Ugo Humbert
Head-to-head: Shapovalov 1-0 Humbert
Ugo Humbert has looked in good touch at the Auckland Open, picking up a hard-fought win over Casper Ruud before thrashing Marco Cecchinato, but he now takes on a man in excellent form in the shape of second seed Denis Shapovalov. The Canadian was dialled in against Vasek Pospisil, serving beautifully and dominating from the baseline with his powerful groundstrokes. Shapovalov will also take confidence from having beaten Humbert in their only previous meeting, although that was on clay and the Frenchman looks a better player on hard courts. Nonetheless, such has been the quality of Shapovalov’s play so far in 2020, there can surely only be one outcome here.
Prediction: Shapovalov in 2
Embed from Getty Images
John Millman vs Benoit Paire
Head-to-head: Millman 1-1 Paire
John Millman certainly played to his strengths in taking out Karen Khachanov in three sets, frustrating the Russian with consistent depth and his excellent movement. Benoit Paire has also looked sharp in Auckland, but will know he needs to be at his best from the get go against the Australian, who is surely high on confidence after his statement win. Both men play most of their tennis from the baseline and what will likely prove crucial is how the Frenchman defends his forehand. Millman will rightly be wary of Paire’s backhand, but if he can regularly find the Paire forehand, he could do damage. Unfortunately for Millman, that is easier said than done.
Prediction: Paire in 3
Embed from Getty Images
John Isner vs Kyle Edmund
Head-to-head: Isner 2-1 Edmund
John Isner is back to winning ways after a horrid week at ATP Cup, with the big-serving American starting his Auckland Open campaign by knocking out the defending champion Tennys Sandgren. As ever, Isner’s serve proved his most valuable asset against his countryman and he will need it to fire once again when he takes on Kyle Edmund. The Briton endured a frustrating 2019, but he has played well so far in Auckland after starting his season with a first-round exit in Doha. However, he has struggled to contend with Isner’s serve in the past, with his return game a real weakness. Expect few long rallies with both never slow to pull the trigger, especially on their forehands, but for Isner’s serve to prove the difference.
Prediction: Isner in 3
Main photo:
Embed from Getty Images
