Just three of the four ATP BMW Open quarterfinal matches are set in Munich ahead of Friday, as Taylor Fritz is still awaiting the winner of Marc-Andrea Huesler vs Dominic Thiem. The three last eight matchups that we know already are looking incredibly tasty though. Who do you think will come out on top?
ATP Munich Quarterfinal Predictions
Christopher O’Connell vs Flavio Cobolli
Head-to-head: First meeting
Christopher O’Connell is coming off a massive win over Alexander Zverev, but it feels like he’s had enough of them already that he will probably be able to avoid the usual “let-off after a big victory” trope. It’s very good to see Flavio Cobolli back in good shape as the Italian had some very tough moments in the latter half of 2022. He’s talented and he hasn’t shown us the peak of his abilities yet, but for now, O’Connell is just a much more reliable player, especially on the big stage.
Prediction: O’Connell in 2
Marcos Giron vs Botic van de Zandschulp
Head-to-head: Giron 2-0
Making the quarterfinals is already a very fine result for Marcos Giron on clay, especially as the American went just 3-9 on the surface in 2022. This year he’s already got as many wins but just one loss. This is probably where his run ends though. Botic van de Zandschulp was the runner-up in Munich last year, retiring against Holger Rune in the final. Now he’s healthy and while his season so far has been rather unspectacular, he’s still plodding along and going deep in many tournaments. He’s simply the much better clay player.
Prediction: van de Zandschulp in 2
Holger Rune vs Cristian Garin
Head-to-head: Rune 2-0
It’s been a pleasure to watch the rejuvenated Cristian Garin since the Sunshine Double and the Chilean is a former champion of this event, winning it back in 2019. In this form, he should be able to pose some issues to Holger Rune. The youngster is clearly motivated to defend his title, despite making the final in Monte Carlo last week (after which many expected a withdrawal from the ATP 250). This should be a popcorn match and Garin isn’t really drawing dead here, although he’s deservedly the underdog.
Prediction: Rune in 3
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
