Only eight players remain in contention for the 2023 ATP Rothesay International title in Eastbourne. With Taylor Fritz out of the tournament, is it his compatriot Tommy Paul who takes over as the main favorite? Who do you think will make the final four?
ATP Eastbourne Quarterfinal Predictions
Mackenzie McDonald vs Mikael Ymer
Head-to-head: Ymer 2-0
Mikael Ymer won both previous matches against Mackenzie McDonald, one of them at Adelaide earlier this year. How does grass factor into this matchup? It’s unclear. McDonald’s ball-striking is flat and aggressive, which helped him score one of his best-ever wins against Taylor Fritz on Wednesday. Even on such quick courts, Ymer’s movement is still a huge asset though and his court coverage remains unbelievable. It’s a really tough call.
Prediction: Ymer in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Zhizhen Zhang
Head-to-head: Zhang 2-0
They’ve already met on grass two years ago with Zhizhen Zhang beating Francisco Cerundolo in the final qualifying round at Wimbledon. Neither is a fast court specialist, but the Argentinian has already proven that his forehand is a weapon that transcends surfaces and conditions. Meanwhile, Zhang usually likes a bit more time on the ball and yet his attacking repertoire plus the big serve is still so scary on these courts. His style is a bit more repeatable on grass.
Prediction: Zhang in 3
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Miomir Kecmanovic vs Gregoire Barrere
Head-to-head: First meeting
Miomir Kecmanovic has an interesting track record on grass with a main tour final in Antalya, but also plenty of much less successful campaigns. Ultimately, the Serbian is just really solid but unable to step out of his comfort zone (which is just true for him in general). Gregoire Barrere loves taking the ball early and has that big serve for himself to rely on. If he keeps finding his A-game, Kecmanovic might run out of answers quickly.
Prediction: Barrere in 2
J.J. Wolf vs Tommy Paul
Head-to-head: First meeting
It’s a season of new surfaces for J.J. Wolf as he had never played a pro match on grass or European red clay before this year. He’s doing fine on both though and the way his serve is so much more than a flat bomb definitely helps him out the lawn as well. Tommy Paul surely won’t go down without a fight and has the return skills and athleticism to trouble Wolf. If the younger of the Americans can utilize his sliced serves and close down the net, he might have the upper hand.
Prediction: Wolf in 3
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
