Editors note: Due to rain delays, one of the four quarterfinal matches at the ATP Lyon Open had not been set at the time of publication.
Quarterfinal day is here at the ATP Lyon Open and there are plenty of exciting matches to sink our teeth into. As always, we here at LWOT are offering our predictions all four matches at the Parc de la Tête d’Or, but who will reach the semifinals?
ATP Lyon Open Quarterfinals Predictions
Federico Coria vs Alex Molcan
Head-to-head: first meeting
Federico Coria was very impressive in his first-round win against Pablo Carreno Busta. With conditions in Lyon a little slower, Carreno Busta’s penchant for quicker courts had to be accounted for and the Argentine took advantage. Coria looked far more comfortable than the Spaniard and put on a performance worthy of a stalwart.
Though Alex Molcan was perhaps the favourite in his last match, the manner of his win was something of a surprise. Molcan was very solid against Karen Khachanov putting on one of the best serving performances of his season so far. Everything is starting to come together for the Slovak – it wouldn’t be a surprise a to see Molcan in the top-25 by the end of the year. If someone can find a way past Coria this week, Alex Molcan might just be the man for the job.
Prediction: Molcan in 3
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Alex de Minaur vs Yosuke Watanuki
Head-to-head: first meeting
All the success Alex de Minaur is finding on clay this season isn’t coincidence. His returns are heavier than they were last year allowing him to step back and take on the ball from deep in the court. De Minaur’s ability to make as many returns as possible coupled with his excellent movement is making him difficult for anyone to deal with – who could forget how close he came to defeating Carlos Alcaraz in Barcelona.
Yosuke Watanuki’s had some big wins over tough clay-courters in Carlos Taberner and Pedro Martinez. Alex de Minaur is far from your typical clay-courter however and can trouble even the biggest of hitters. Watanuki has done well to come this far but it’s hard to see him going any further.
Prediction: de Minaur in 2
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Sebastian Baez vs Cameron Norrie
Head-to-head: first meeting
Cameron Norrie, the defending finalist, takes on Sebastian Baez, the new clay-beast on the block. Many of Norrie’s usual weapons may not be quite as effective as they usually would be. Norrie’s high bouncing forehand shouldn’t be a problem for the nimble athleticism of Sebastian Baez who is happy to jump up into his double-hander à la his countrymen in Diego Schwartzman. In contrast, Baez is one of the better-equipped players for dealing with Norrie’s super-flat backhand given his height.
Looking at both player’s serves too, Norrie’s usual swinging serve may not be as tricky against the return capabilities of Baez. The Argentine also gets a surprising amount of pop on his first-serve so Norrie may not be be constantly asking the question of Baez on return. It’s quite difficult to look at the match-up advantages Baez has and not think anything other than straight sets would be the final outcome. Cam Norrie is #11 in the world for a reason however having made a career out of unsticking any and every type of player. Norrie will deservedly win a set but we’re going to back the 21-year-old to continue his run of form on the red dirt.
Prediction: Baez in 3
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