Any doubts that Daniil Medvedev isn’t the favourite for this tournament were quickly put to bed by the Russian in his first match. He took just over 90 minutes to cruise to victory and looks like the time off did him no harm. By contrast, #2 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime looked shaky at times against an inferior opponent. However, we have come to expect this from the young Canadian at times and know he can raise his game when it counts. Will either of them lift the trophy? We look at who should take one step closer to that goal in our ATP Los Cabos quarterfinal predictions.
ATP Los Cabos Quarterfinal Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Radu Albot
Head-to-head: First meeting
This might be the most tightly contested match of the day. Norrie has established himself as an elite player in the men’s game. However, Albot is in a rich vein of form and is a very good hard court player. Both impressed in their last rounds and separating them in practice is harder than it looks on paper. I suspect Norrie’s competitive edge will carry him through here, though Albot is playing well enough to take him the distance and make him earn it.
Prediction: Norrie in 3
Felix Auger-Aliassime vs Steve Johnson
Head-to-head: 1 – 0 Auger-Aliassime
FAA has shown more so this year than in any year prior that he is an elite talent. He has all the tools to win big tournaments and no obvious weakness in his game. His only issue appears to be mental, as he sometimes lacks the focus and ruthless edge needed to win the biggest trophies. In his last match he was down a break to a player ranked outside the top 500. I’d be amazed if that has ever happened to any of the ‘Big 3’ once they made it to the top ten in the game. The young Canadian is the favourite against most he matches up against, it’s just hard to pick him with confidence knowing he can disappear. That being said, FAA should win this easily enough given he’s already had his wobble in this tournament.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 2
Miomir Kecmanovic vs Brandon Nakashima
Head-to-head: First meeting
This should be a great match featuring very different styles. Kecmanovic is a great mover and counterpuncher who won’t mind giving up ground on the baseline. By contrast, Nakashima is ultra aggressive and always wants to dictate points. Kecmanovic has shown glimpses of incredible tennis in his career, but Nakashima looks like he could become something truly special. If both play to their best then this should be an absolute thriller. Even if they do, I expect the American to move on as he has a level he can go to that Kecmanovic just can’t reach.
Prediction: Nakashima in 3
Daniil Medvedev vs Ricardas Berankis
Head-to-head: 2 – 1 Medvedev
Somewhat surprisingly, Berankis won their last meeting. However, that was in 2019 before Medvedev became the human wrecking ball on hard courts that he now is. To give you an idea of the gulf between these two, Medvedev has won more matches on hard courts on the ATP tour since the start of 2019 than Berankis has won ATP matches in his career. That’s incredible, and it also means that Medvedev is the clear favourite here. The Russian is the man to beat in Los Cabos and we should see him in the semifinals.
Prediction: Medvedev in 2
