Just eight men remain to contest for the ATP trophy here in Washington. The draw still comprises of top seeds and young hopefuls which should make for an exciting day of tennis. As ever, we at LWOT preview and predict all four matches for you.
Editor’s Note: Due to the rain-altered schedule, we are publishing before all four matches are set. We will edit in the matchups as they become finalized.
ATP Washington Quarterfinal Predictions
Daniel Evans vs Yoshihito Nishioka
Head to head – Nishioka 4-0 Evans
There’s something in Yoshihito Nishioka’s game that Daniel Evans doesn’t like to face. The Brit is 0-4 against the Japanese and the lefty top spin heavy forehand does pose problems for the single hander of Evans. Coming into this tournament, both players have had a middling season in 2022 and this is the last stretch of the season to salvage their respective seasons.
While Evans did get a walkover from Taylor Fritz in his Round of 16, Nishioka’s run so far has been pretty impressive. The Japanese has taken two high quality opponents on the trot in Alex de Minaur and Karen Khachanov. All in all, it again points towards a victory for the gritty Nishioka.
Prediction: Nishioka in 3
Frances Tiafoe vs Nick Kyrgios
Head to head – First Meeting
Frances Tiafoe has compiled a decent set of results in Atlanta last week and now in Washington, D.C. The American, however, will face his toughest test yet in the enigmatic Nick Kyrgios.
The Australian seems to have picked up the same vein of form he was in Wimbledon which is refreshing to see. On court, Kyrgios does have the bigger serve and backhand and if he can limit his errors on the forehand side, he should be the one moving on.
Prediction: Kyrgios in 2
Sebastian Korda vs Mikael Ymer
Head to head – First Meeting
Sebastian Korda seems to have started to find his groove after losing into the opening round at Atlanta last week. He overcame his toughest test yet in taking out the talented Grigor Dimitrov with the third set being a one sided affair.
He now faces Mikael Ymer, who’s one of the rising starts from Swede,n still looking to take the next step on the main tour. Ymer wasn’t in particular good form entering the tournament but the win over Andy Murray seems to have instilled some confidence in him. All in all should be a fascinating watch between two young players but it looks likely Korda has the superior firepower from the baseline and on his serve.
Prediction: Korda in 2
Andrey Rublev vs J.J. Wolf
Head to head – First Meeting
This will be an interesting match. Andrey Rublev is a power hitter off of both wings and J.J. Wolf is as tenacious as they come. These two have never met before which makes this match all the more intriguing. That being said, their seasons so far have been a contrast in results.
Rublev is having a great season winning three titles already with his favourite part of the season underway. Wolf on the other hand is 4-4 entering this tournament but is looking dangerous this week. Expect Wolf to nick a set but Rublev should be consistent enough to nab the win.
Prediction: Rublev in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
