The ATP Melbourne Summer Set 2022 sees just the eight men remain, including top seed Rafael Nadal and third seed Grigor Dimitrov. While it is unclear whether Novak Djokovic will be able to take part in the Australian Open 2022, what’s clear is the high quality tennis action we’re going to see from the eight quarter finalists.
As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all four quarter-final clashes for you.
ATP Melbourne Summer Set Quarterfinal Predictions
Alex Molcan vs Emil Ruusuvuori
Head to head – First Meeting
Alex Molcan has silently proven many wrong with his commanding wins over Andreas Seppi and David Goffin. The Slovakian who has so far faced only veterans now takes on a fellow upcoming player in Emil Ruusuvuori. The Finn battled past Jordan Thompson in his second round and looks like he won’t have it easy in his quarter final. Expect both players to give it their all with Molcan snatching a set but Ruusuvuori should have the consistency and power to get through to the semi finals.
Prediction: Ruusuvuori in 3
Maxime Cressy vs Jaume Munar
Head to head – First Meeting
This is going to be a fascinating matchup. Jaume Munar has played well so far this week winning both his matches in straight sets against the likes of Kevin Anderson. The Spaniard though is in for a real battle against a big server in Maxime Cressy, who’s absolutely feeling it. Cressy has taken out the second seed Reilly Opelka in an entertaining third set tie breaker which should really give loads of confidence. Munar is expected to make Cressy play an extra ball but the way Cressy has played this week, expect the American to make the semifinals on the back of his serve and volley game.
Prediction: Cressy in 3
Grigor Dimitrov vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head to head – First Meeting
This is a tough tough call to make. Grigor Dimitrov has traditionally played well Down Under and his best game is capable of going to toe to toe with anyone. His first round match though was a rusty one and he’ll definitely have to do better if he’s to beat Botic van de Zandschulp. The Dutchman is on a roll so far with his clean hitting and he’d fancy his chances against Dimitrov. But despite his clean hitting, the Dutchman is slightly slower around the court than some of his peers and if Dimitrov is able to mix it up, the Bulgarian can wrestle control of the match. Expect a great match nevertheless.
Prediction: Dimitrov in 3
Rafael Nadal vs Tallon Griekspoor
Head to head – First Meeting
Tallon Griekspoor is another one of those players who’s made the most out of it this week. The Dutchman has beaten decent opponents to his credit including Alexei Popyrin. What now awaits for him is a first time encounter with Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard looked slightly rusty in his win against Ricardas Berankis but that’s expected initially. Griekspoor is slightly out of his league here against Nadal. Expect Rafa to move on to the semis.
Prediction: Nadal in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
