The quarterfinals of the ATP Great Ocean Road Open will be the second match of the day for every player still in the draw but with the off-season just behind us, this shouldn’t be that much of an issue for most of them. Just four seeds made it this far: Hubert Hurkacz, Karen Khachanov, Jannik Sinner, and Miomir Kecmanovic. Who do you think will confirm their performance from earlier in the day and make the final four?
ATP Great Ocean Road Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Jannik Sinner vs Miomir Kecmanovic
Head-to-head: Sinner 1-0
Jannik Sinner did not leave much of an impression at the exhibition in Adelaide, but he was properly tested against Aljaz Bedene in the third round here and did well to leave without going the distance. It seems like most of the rawness that surrounded the youngster’s talent at the beginning of last year is really gone. Sinner is now able to perform at a very high level consistently and that does not bode well for Miomir Kecmanovic. The Serbian also struggled majorly to beat Salvatore Caruso and was outplayed in their only meeting to date.
Prediction: Sinner in 2
Jordan Thompson vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-head: Thompson 1-0
Not having to worry about the travel and quarantine issues perhaps Jordan Thompson to get his form ready for just the right time. The Australian lost two sets along the way to the quarterfinals but was absolutely clinical in both of the deciders. Thiago Monteiro is really overperforming his usual hardcourt capabilities this week. His win over Carlos Alcaraz showcased how great the Brazilian can deal with pressure (7/7 break points saved). Still, this should be the end of the road for him against a well-prepared opponent whose game responds much better to the conditions in Melbourne.
Prediction: Thompson in 2
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Karen Khachanov vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: First meeting
Karen Khachanov is yet to be broken this week, saving a total of nine break points against Max Purcell and Kevin Anderson. His next opponent will be the 25-year-old Botic van de Zandschulp, playing his maiden tour-level event. The Dutchman has been a standout on the Challenger and ITF Tours throughout the past two seasons. Having qualified for the Australian Open, he remains unbeaten in 2021. His game is mostly based around a big serve and with that asset in his pocket, this match certainly doesn’t have to be one-sided. Khachanov might have just too much consistency off the ground though, not going for such an all-attack approach as the Dutchman.
Prediction: Khachanov in 3
Hubert Hurkacz vs Stefano Travaglia
Head-to-head: Hurkacz 2-0
Stefano Travaglia had to pull off quite a marathon win in the opening round over Roberto Carballes Baena, mostly due to his constant struggles serving out sets. But the Italian has been doing much better since then, also impressing in the clutch department that usually isn’t his forte. While Hubert Hurkacz remains unbeaten in 2021, it still feels like we don’t know much about his disposition. Most of his opponents were lower-ranked and the performance to beat Pablo Cuevas was unconvincing. The Pole seems to struggle to decide what his style is but the overall quality of his groundstrokes remains great. Expect him to find a way to win again.
Prediction: Hurkacz in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
