The last two men’s quarterfinal matches at Wimbledon will be contested on Wednesday. Will Carlos Alcaraz continue his march to the top of the sport? Will Christopher Eubanks’ dream run continue? Our writers share their thoughts on both of Wednesday’s matches with you. Predicting these matches are Damian Kust, Jordan Reynolds, and Andreas Pelekis. We also share our thoughts on Wednesday’s women’s matches. Who do you think will advance to the semis?
Wimbledon Men’s Quarterfinal Predictions
Daniil Medvedev vs Christopher Eubanks
Damian:
What a run from Eubanks with nine straight wins in Mallorca and here. No one thought he would be making this much main tour impact with his serve-oriented game, but he actually has flashes of brilliance off the ground now too. They’re just that though, flashes. Against a defender like Medvedev you gotta have the ability to keep him out of his favorite footwork patterns and be slightly more unconventional. Not sure Eubanks will bring that to the court on Wednesday and it’s a much tougher matchup for him than against Tsitsipas.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Jordan:
It is impossible not to love Christopher Eubanks. A dream run to the quarterfinals on his Wimbledon debut, playing a watchable brand of tennis and all done by a guy who seems like one of the nicest on the Tour. When I look at this match with a neutral mind I see a Medvedev win. The third seed is looking the most comfortable he ever has on the grass, and will be coming into this one very fresh after Jiri Lehecka’s retirement after two sets. Medvedev should have a serve capable of holding against Eubanks if he hits his spots, and a return more capable of creating consistent chances than Tsitsipas in the last round. Medvedev to win, but it is impossible to completely rule out Eubanks upsetting what is logical on paper again after the run he has had.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
Andreas:
Eubanks has played some incredible tennis these past three weeks, culminating in a massive win over Stefanos Tsitsipas. That run could continue, and he’d be the first American in a Wimbledon semifinal since Isner in 2018 if he wins this one. The American thrives in rallies from his effortless power, and his one-handed backhand has noticeably improved a ton. However, that shot may be taken advantage of by Medvedev, who’s off-pace flat groundstrokes will force errors. Similarly, Medvedev’s movement may also prove to be a major challenge. While Eubanks could definitely win this with his confidence, I feel that Medvedev’s experience should prove to be a little bit too much.
Prediction: Medvedev in 4
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Carlos Alcaraz vs Holger Rune
Damian:
Alcaraz vs Rune is a matchup we haven’t seen that much of yet with only two encounters–one in the funky format of the NextGen Finals and the other ending in a retirement from the World No. 1. They’ve both managed to improve their grass court games this year. Alcaraz is much further in his development and dominates the Tour a lot more, but their head-to-head matches might actually be really tight just like the Alcaraz vs Sinner rivalry. Rune’s problem-solving on the grass has been excellent this fortnight and yet I cannot go against the Spaniard here.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Jordan:
Holger Rune is maturing and becoming mentally stronger before our eyes, playing and winning the most important points in two very tight matches with Davidovich Fokina and Dimitrov. However, I am backing Alcaraz to win this battle of the rising stars of the game more comfortably than most others will think. Both players can hit big from the back of the court, but Alcaraz has extra skills that will help him in this matchup on grass, such as a better slice backhand and being more competent at the net. In addition we saw Rune have a very flat start against Casper Ruud in the Roland Garros quarterfinals after a tough five-setter in his previous match. Two very tough battles for Rune leading into this match could give the Spaniard another edge. If the Dane is to have a chance of winning he has to impose himself from the very start.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Andreas:
Probably the biggest popcorn match of the tournament so far, as this will be their first meeting in a Grand Slam. The two also haven’t had a “fair match” yet, with Alcaraz winning in a short-set format in 2021, and Rune winning by retirement last year in Paris. With a best-of-five format, this match should be enthralling. Alcaraz will have to move well, and take advantage of any opening late in a set. He’ll also fare better by not over-pressing in rallies, something that negatively affected him in his third round match against Jarry. Rune’s grit will keep him in this match for a while, but it won’t be enough towards the end. This could go five sets, but Alcaraz will more likely find a way to close in a tight four-setter.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
